AGP Executive Report

Kosovo Tensions: Serbia’s Office for Kosovo-Metohija says Pristina demolished Serb-owned weekend homes near Lake Gazivode without a court order, calling it a rule-of-law breach and warning of “arbitrary” arrests, including the case of 36 Serbs at Gazimestan. EU & Rule of Law: Justice Minister Nenad Vujic urged the EU to urgently assess Kosovo’s judiciary and demanded effective legal protection for Serbs. Belgrade–Prague Talks: PM Djuro Macut met Czech PM Andrej Babiš, stressing Serbia’s EU path should be merit-based, while Vucic said Czech ties are strengthening and backed Czech participation in EXPO 2027. Green Finance: UniCredit Serbia and KfW launched a €43mn green credit line to fund energy efficiency and renewables for businesses and parts of the public sector. Sports (Rangers): Rangers confirmed the signing of Serbian midfielder Vanja Dragojevic from Partizan on a four-year deal, with the club calling him a leader with “huge potential.” Economy Watch: Serbia’s dinar median euro rate was 117.4206.

Artemis Accords & Tech Cooperation: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić signed Serbia’s accession agreement to NASA’s Artemis programme at NASA Headquarters in Washington, calling it an “entry ticket” for Serbian institutes, scientists and industry to join cutting-edge space cooperation. Security & Diplomacy: Đurić also attended a Washington ministerial conference on the resurgence of political terrorism, stressing Serbia’s condemnation of attacks and highlighting violence targeting Serbs in the region. EU Funding Pressure: The EU warns that Western Balkan states missing reform targets could lose about €700m, with Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia lagging behind. Kosovo Rule-of-Law: EU and OSCE missions criticised Kosovo police demolitions of 11 Serb-owned villas near Lake Ujman/Gazivoda, citing due-process and property-right concerns. Regional Trade & Crime Cooperation: Serbia’s Deputy PM Ivica Dačić met Russia’s ambassador, thanking Moscow for support on territorial integrity and discussing cooperation on organised crime and emergencies. Transport Update: Serbia set up a border checkpoint at Belgrade’s Prokop station to enable renewed international rail services to Budapest and Vienna.

EXPO 2027 Prep: Slovakia’s EXPO commissioner presented plans for its Belgrade pavilion, including the “Tree of Opportunities” concept, with design paperwork, permits, pavilion handover and construction steps on track. EU Funding Pressure: The EU warns Western Balkans reform lag could cost Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia about €700m as Brussels redirects money to countries meeting targets. Kosovo Rule-of-Law Row: International missions criticized Kosovo police for demolishing 11 Serb-owned villas near Lake Ujman/Gazivoda, citing due-process and property-right concerns; the U.S. Embassy also stressed Kosovo’s constitution guarantees Serb representation. Interpol Decision: Serbian activists in exile say Interpol rejected Serbia’s arrest-warrant request, arguing the case is politically motivated. Energy Supply Strain: Serbia says low Danube water levels and market disruption are blocking petroleum product imports, with only about 25% of July plans fulfilled. Diplomacy & Business: Vucic meets Czech PM Andrej Babi to discuss economic cooperation; Serbia also highlights Nigeria as its top African business partner. Sports & Culture: Serbia’s judo champion Aleksandar Kukolj talks building a next-gen coaching system; and Belgrade’s dinar sits at 117.4060 RSD per euro.

Serbia–China Pivot: President Aleksandar Vučić’s latest trip to China signals a shift toward tech, AI, robotics and energy, raising fresh questions about whether deeper alignment with Beijing is making Serbia’s EU path harder to sustain. Human Rights Watch on Transition Minerals: A monitoring group says allegations tied to Chinese-backed mining and refining projects have climbed, with 148 recorded in 2025 and 434 over five years, spotlighting the gap between commitments and real-world harm. Postal & Parcel Deal: United Group agreed to sell Serbia’s D Express to Austrian Post, combining D Express and City Express into a bigger operator with a Belgrade logistics hub, depots, parcel shops and lockers. Energy Planning: Serbia’s Mining and Energy Ministry published a tender for spatial planning and technical documentation for pumped-storage Djerdap 3, with bids worth about €5.3m and requirements covering water regime and navigation impacts. Foreign Policy Line: FM Marko Đurić says Serbia is pursuing a balanced foreign policy, pointing to the new strategic dialogue with the US alongside ties with China and Russia. Aviation Shock: A Serbian passenger who was nearly sucked out of a Ryanair window describes panic attacks and trauma after the emergency landing.

Aviation Horror: Serbian passenger Ljubiša Karović, 61, says he was “sucked” head-first out of a Ryanair window after an engine part broke off mid-flight, leaving him with panic attacks and refusing to fly again. Energy Tender: Serbia’s Mining and Energy Ministry launched a RSD 625m tender for spatial planning and technical documentation for the Djerdap 3 pumped-storage hydropower plant (1,200–2,400 MW), including water-regime and navigation impact work and coordination with Romania. Foreign Policy: FM Marko Đurić says Serbia is pursuing a “balanced” foreign policy and points to the new strategic dialogue with the United States, plus ties with China and Russia. Business Moves: Austrian Post announced it is buying 100% of Serbian courier D Express, aiming to merge logistics operations and expand its parcel footprint in South-Eastern Europe. Local Politics: Opposition claims Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić is trying to build parallel security structures via a costly integrated security PPP. Elections Outreach: Student movement “Student Calling” starts phoning citizens to push for snap elections. Tourism Safety: An Indian couple alleges harassment in Serbia while filming a vlog, sparking debate over tourist safety. Media Freedom: A press-freedom watchdog warns Kosovo’s media freedom has declined amid political pressure and funding problems.

Belgrade Court Case: Two suspects in the June 21 Father’s Day shooting in Belgrade appeared in court nearly a month later, with prosecutors citing prior history and bail set at $250,000; the dispute allegedly began during a child custody handoff and escalated into gunfire. Serbian Church vs State: A Slovenian court convicted Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije in a clergy transfer harassment dispute, handing down a suspended sentence and fine—sparking fresh debate over how far state authority can go in church governance. Public Health: African swine fever remains active across Serbia, with nearly 28,000 pigs dead or culled since the year began, prompting emergency measures and tighter movement controls. Media Regulation: Serbia’s REM electronic media council held its first session but still can’t fully form, as parliament has yet to elect a ninth member—an EU rule-of-law sticking point. Regional Business: OTP Bank signed to buy Luminor’s parent company, aiming to enter the Baltic banking market pending regulators’ approvals. Travel & Safety: Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary updated on a near-window-suction incident involving a passenger, with preliminary findings expected in about a month.

Serbia–U.S. Ties: Serbia and the United States launched their first Strategic Dialogue in Washington, signing MoUs on energy infrastructure and regional energy security, plus Fulbright cost-sharing, while also discussing 5G support and possible U.S. defense cooperation. Elections Watch: President Aleksandar Vučić says snap parliamentary elections will be called “very soon,” and he plans to campaign using his personal car. Media & Rule of Law: Serbia’s REM media regulator resumed work after EU pressure, but its new council still lacks a ninth member and failed to elect a president. Health & Agriculture: African swine fever is active across 52 communities, with nearly 28,000 pigs dead or culled since the start of the year. Economy: Srbijagas says household gas prices won’t rise, with Russian gas pricing tied to an oil-linked formula and winter reserves already secured. Belgrade Expo 2027: Slovakia unveiled its pavilion design for Expo 2027 in Belgrade, themed “Slovakia – a Playground of Opportunities.” Kosovo Courts: Kosovo’s Prosecutorial Council rejected Serb prosecutors’ requests to return to old posts. Transport/Travel: The dinar-to-euro rate was set at 117.3700 RSD per euro.

Serbia-US Strategic Dialogue: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Serbian FM Marko Djuric launched the first U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialog in Washington, reaffirming shared goals on peace, security and prosperity, with cooperation on energy infrastructure and regional energy security, plus plans to deepen military-to-military engagement. Space Cooperation: Djuric signed Serbia’s Artemis Accords at NASA in Washington, calling it a step toward a future built on knowledge and international cooperation. EU Rule-of-Law Pressure: The European Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report warns of political pressure on Serbia’s judiciary and prosecution, growing concerns over influence on the Office of the Prosecutor for Organized Crime, and uneven enforcement affecting media and electoral reforms. Healthcare MoU: Serbia and Egypt agreed an MoU to expand cooperation in healthcare, digital transformation, AI in medicine, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical tourism and capacity building. Belgrade Youth & Democracy: Vucic invited political opponents to dialogue, saying talks are “the essence of democracy,” as criticism from opposition continues. Local Infrastructure: Serbia’s regional ties also show up in business and mobility news, including a major rail project update from the wider region (Budapest–Belgrade) and ongoing construction and safety planning.

Serbia–U.S. Strategic Dialogue: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened the first round of a new Strategic Dialogue, framing it as a fresh chapter in ties and a platform for deeper cooperation. Artemis push: Serbia signed the Artemis Accords at NASA headquarters, joining a growing list of countries backing lunar exploration rules. EU rule-of-law pressure: The European Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report says reforms are moving but follow-through is uneven, with attention on Serbia’s judiciary, media and anti-corruption institutions. Belgrade tech and AI diplomacy: A China-led global AI governance effort and a major AI conference in Shanghai highlight how AI policy is becoming a diplomatic tool, with Serbia mentioned among countries engaging on cutting-edge tech cooperation. Local life: A Belgrade Meals on Wheels donor gave €50,000, while Belgrade’s public debate continues around infrastructure and city-budget pressures.

Serbia–US Strategic Dialogue: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened the first round of the Serbia–United States Strategic Dialogue, calling it a new institutional framework for a “new chapter” in bilateral ties. Kosovo Serbs: The Serbian Orthodox Church’s Raška and Prizren Eparchy warned of worsening conditions for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, citing pressure on property rights and obstacles to normal life, and urged protection of Orthodox holy sites. Artemis in space: Serbia signed the Artemis Accords at NASA Headquarters, joining the growing list of partner countries; Mauritius signed one day later, bringing the total to 70. Belgrade local issue: Belgrade Plaza’s car park closure is still causing chaos, with barriers torn off, a broken payment machine, and an unsecured exit. Sports (Belgrade readers): Novak Djokovic drew NBA buzz with three straight 3-pointers at Fanatics Fest, while Rangers’ transfer talk continues to swirl around Serbian players Vanja Dragojevic and links to Jens Hjerto-Dahl.

Serbia–U.S. Strategic Dialogue: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened the first round of the Serbia–United States Strategic Dialogue, framing it as a new chapter for energy security, transport, and cutting-edge cooperation after decades of uneven ties. Kosovo Serbs & Church Pressure: The Serbian Orthodox Church’s Raška and Prizren Eparchy warns of worsening conditions for Serbs in Kosovo, citing property-rights pressure and obstacles to Orthodox life, with calls for stronger international protection of holy sites. Artemis Space Step: Serbia signed the Artemis Accords, with NASA welcoming the country as a new signatory, signaling deeper U.S.-led space cooperation. Belgrade Local Safety: A Belgrade Plaza car park closure is described as ignored and unsecured, with barriers torn off and a “disaster waiting to happen” warning from a councillor. Ryanair Incident: Aviation experts explain how a cracked window after an engine issue could lead to dangerous suction, urging passengers to keep seat belts fastened. Energy Costs Snapshot: A new ranking highlights Europe’s high household energy bills, with Sweden topping spending per person.

Serbia–US Strategic Dialogue: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić says the new Serbia–United States strategic dialogue opens “a new chapter,” with talks covering energy security, transport, and science, plus MoUs on energy and education and a Fulbright expansion. Artemis Breakthrough: Serbia formally signed the NASA Artemis Accords in Washington, with Đurić calling it a historic step for Serbian science and new cooperation opportunities. EU Rule-of-Law Pressure: Serbia is included in the EU Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report, with warnings about uneven progress and growing pressure on the judiciary, media, and anti-corruption institutions. Belgrade Airport Upgrade: PM Djuro Macut inspected works at Nikola Tesla Airport, saying three new gates and airbridges will be ready by EXPO 2027. Inflation Expectations: Short-term inflation expectations in Serbia’s financial sector fell to 3.6% in June, while households’ one-year expectations dropped to 10%. Kosovo Serb Judicial Returns: Kosovo’s judicial bodies say some Serb judges and prosecutors are seeking to return to posts in the north. Interior Ministry Action: Serbia’s Interior Ministry filed a criminal complaint against analyst Aleksandar Radic over claims about a “sound cannon” at a 2025 protest. Human Interest: An anonymous donor gave $50,000 to Belgrade Meals on Wheels to meet rising demand.

Belgrade’s Inflation Watch: Serbia’s financial-sector inflation expectations eased, with short-term forecasts falling to 3.6% in June from 4.0% in May, while household one-year expectations dropped to 10%—the lowest since June 2024. Airport & EXPO 2027: Prime Minister Đuro Macut inspected works at Nikola Tesla Airport and says three new gates and airbridges will open by the start of EXPO 2027, as passenger numbers keep climbing. US-Serbia Strategic Dialogue: In Washington, Marko Đurić said Serbia and the US will also sign MoUs on energy security (including new gas interconnectors) and education (expanding Fulbright), alongside Serbia’s accession to NASA’s Artemis Accords. Artemis Accords: Đurić hailed the Artemis step as a new era for Serbian science and industry, linking research institutes and companies with NASA departments. Rule of Law Pressure from Brussels: The European Commission’s Rule of Law Report warns progress is uneven across the EU and candidate countries, including Serbia, where judicial independence and anti-corruption concerns persist. Kosovo Serbs Eye Return to Courts: Nearly four years after mass resignations, some Serb judges and prosecutors in Kosovo’s north are seeking to return to judicial posts. Domestic Security Case: Serbia’s Interior Ministry filed a criminal complaint against military analyst Aleksandar Radić over claims about a “sound cannon” at a March 2025 protest, seeking detention and an arrest warrant. Belgrade’s EU Alignment: A new ISAC Fund analysis puts Serbia at about 60% alignment with EU foreign policy declarations in the first half of 2026, down from 67% in 2025. Aviation Dispute: Wizz Air warns it could close its Belgrade hub if a planned regulatory changes dispute with Serbian authorities isn’t resolved.

World Cup Fallout: The UK has urged FIFA to investigate Argentina after players celebrated their semifinal win over England with a banner claiming “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” reigniting the Falklands sovereignty row. Serbian Politics & Rights: A CRTA/Stanford poll shows the student-led “Student List” leading SNS among decided voters ahead of expected elections, while Serbia’s freedom rankings remain weak. Church Under Pressure: The Serbian Orthodox Church says Slovenia’s court violated its rights in sentencing Patriarch Porfirije over an old priest-mistreatment case. Space & Diplomacy: Serbia signed the Artemis Accords in Washington, with FM Marko Đurić saying it opens a path for Serbian institutions to join NASA cooperation. Public Safety: The U.S. NTSB will lead the probe into a Ryanair incident where a passenger was partly sucked out after a window was smashed post-takeoff. Local Economy/Industry: Serbia’s EXPO 2027 push continues as officials meet San Marino’s tourism leadership about participation. Sports Development: Serbian coach Igor Kokoškov is named head of player development for Project B, a new basketball league.

FIFA & Politics: The UK has urged FIFA to investigate Argentina after players celebrated a World Cup semi-final with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), a message FIFA says violates rules against political displays in stadiums. Ukraine Summit: Serbia was the only country not to sign the Kyiv Declaration at the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit, with President Vučić saying the text explains why he didn’t sign, while other leaders backed stronger air-defence support and pressure on Russia. U.S.-Serbia Ties: The U.S. says the Strategic Dialogue starting July 17 marks a “new age” in relations, with plans to expand business and education links; Serbia’s FM Đurić also announced Serbia’s entry into NASA’s Artemis cooperation. Economy & Finance: Serbian PM Đuro Macut discussed public finances and economic trends, including a proposed 20% fuel excise reduction, and highlighted Fitch’s credit-rating confirmation. Security: Serbia and Europol-backed action led to five arrests in a migrant-smuggling network using the Bulgarian-Serbian green border route. Public Health: Five Western Balkan governments, including Serbia, agreed to ban smoking and e-cigarettes in all public spaces. Energy Projects: Serbia and Romania signed an MoU on information exchange for the Djerdap 3 reversible hydropower plant.

Serbia-Ukraine Balancing Act: President Aleksandar Vučić announced Serbia will increase humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but he refused to sign the Kyiv Declaration calling for continued political, military, financial and security support and stronger pressure on Russia. He said he was the only summit participant not to sign, while reiterating Serbia’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. EU-Ukraine Security Push: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen marked Ukraine’s Statehood Day in Kyiv, pledging continued military and financial backing and launching an EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership, including a drone deal and plans for joint anti-ballistic missile production. Serbia-US Strategic Dialogue: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić said Serbia will accede to NASA’s Artemis space programme and that the US-Serbia strategic dialogue will open in Washington on July 17. Belgrade Local Economy: Belgrade’s preliminary city budget includes salary increases (3–11% depending on unions), while construction delays continue for a mixed-use project that would add about 3,200 residents in northwest Belgrade. Sports & Culture: UEFA qualifiers set up Red Star Belgrade’s next Conference League opponent, and a Belgrade robotics study highlights a wearable system to help restore hand movement and touch after paralysis.