AGP Executive Report

Judicial Reform Watch: Serbia’s Speaker Ana Brnabić says the Venice Commission has issued a positive opinion on proposed amendments to Serbia’s judiciary laws, with changes set to go to parliament next week. EU Path & Diplomacy: Greece’s foreign minister calls Serbia’s EU accession “geopolitically inevitable,” praising reforms and backing EU-mediated Belgrade–Pristina dialogue. Belgrade Politics & Security: Opposition figures say the “Caciland” encampment in Belgrade’s Pionirski Park has become a serious security issue after an attack on Berlin students and a professor. Economy & Daily Life: The National Bank of Serbia sets the dinar’s official median exchange rate at 117.3840 per euro, with minor moves versus the dollar. Transport Infrastructure: Serbia’s Morava Corridor section from Preljina to the Adrani interchange is due to open in about ten days, with plans for a 5G digitalized highway and new industrial zones. Payments Policy: Serbia’s National Bank draft would cap interbank card fees for foreign-issued cards used in Serbia, matching the existing debit/credit limits. International Spotlight: Serbia’s President Vučić heads to Georgia for an official visit, meeting top state leaders and church officials. Kosovo Court: A Kosovo court sentences a man to six years for spying for Serbia’s intelligence service.

EU-Air Policy Watch: The European Commission is reviewing Serbia’s March amendments to rules for foreign air carriers after Wizz Air warned the changes could force it to close its Belgrade base, with Brussels checking compliance with EU commitments under the European Common Aviation Area. Regional Infrastructure: Chinese firms have broken ground on the Brčko–Bijeljina motorway in Republika Srpska, a 17-kilometre project aimed at boosting the Banja Luka–Belgrade corridor within three years. Diplomacy: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is set to visit Georgia on an official trip, with talks focused on bilateral cooperation. EU Travel Rules: Brussels is debating easier passenger compensation for flight delays and cancellations, while airlines warn of higher costs and possible fare hikes. Culture & Local Life: Serbia’s Ministry of Culture has allocated RSD 20 million for final works on the future Apatin museum “Kuca Turski.” Sports: Dubai Basketball made history by winning the ABA League title, beating Partizan in the finals.

Belgrade Local Politics: Voters in Belgrade approved a $4.7m municipal budget aimed at keeping the tax burden low, with some proposed cuts passing and others rejected amid worries about rising costs. EU & Regional Diplomacy: Greece told Serbia its Kosovo stance hasn’t changed, while both sides discussed energy, trade and transport and reaffirmed support for Serbia’s EU path. War Crimes & UN: The UN Security Council discussed the future of the residual war-crimes mechanism as Russia and Serbia urged the release of Ratko Mladić on humanitarian grounds, drawing sharp pushback. Serbia-India Ties: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and PM Narendra Modi exchanged public thanks after Modi became India’s longest-serving elected prime minister. Sports—Serbia in the spotlight: Brazil swept Serbia 3-0 in the Volleyball Nations League, while Nikola Topic’s recovery update from surgery in Dallas highlighted his return to OKC training camp. Culture & Community: A Serbian Roma youth spotlighted progress and remaining gaps in education and opportunity for young Roma.

World Cup Focus: Brazil kick off their 2026 campaign in Group C against Morocco, with Carlo Ancelotti calling it a “beautiful moment” as he debuts as head coach; the matchup also puts Serbia in the same group, raising stakes for the Balkans. Group B Stakes: Qatar open against Switzerland in San Francisco, trying to erase the 2022 home-host disaster, while Switzerland arrive as a consistent favorite. Golden Boot Watch: Early scoring has Folarin Balogun leading with 2 goals, with Hwang In-beom and others tied on 1 as the tournament gets underway. Serbia-EU Angle: Greece tells Serbia its Kosovo stance is unchanged, but reiterates support for EU-led normalization talks and Serbia’s EU path. Regional Politics: Milorad Dodik says the West is trying to cut off Serbs’ communication with Russia, framing EU integration as harmful to Serbia and Republika Srpska. Roma in Serbia: New reporting highlights Roma progress alongside persistent gaps in education, work, and training for young people. Belgrade/Business: eKapija spotlights a new real-estate and construction newsletter on shifting housing and premium development trends.

Serbia-EU Rule of Law: Belgrade’s top officials say the Venice Commission gave an “absolutely positive” opinion on amended Serbian judicial laws, with parliamentary amendments expected next week—another step in Serbia’s EU path. Energy Security: Serbia’s energy minister says talks with Gazprom secured continued gas supplies after June 30, extending the arrangement for three more months and discussing issues tied to NIS. UNIFIL Tragedy: The UN Security Council condemned the killing of a Serbian UNIFIL peacekeeper in Lebanon on June 4, calling for accountability and urging all sides to protect peacekeepers. Regional Politics: Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik claims the West is trying to cut Serbs’ communication with Russia via EU and NATO pressure. World Cup Serbia Link: Fans abroad note Serbia’s absence from the 2026 tournament, while the wider Balkan spotlight grows with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup participation. Sports: Dubai Basketball won the ABA League title after beating Partizan 83-81 in Belgrade, sealing the series 3-1.

Serbia-EU Rule of Law: Prime Minister Ana Brnabić says the Venice Commission’s opinion on Serbia’s amended judicial laws is “absolutely positive,” with parliamentary amendments expected next week—another step in Belgrade’s EU path. Serbia-Greece Ties: PM Djuro Macut met Greek FM Giorgos Gerapetritis in Belgrade, stressing Greece’s support for Serbia’s EU membership and wider cooperation, from energy and transport to science and investment. Kosovo Security: NATO plans to gradually reduce KFOR’s Kosovo peacekeeping force, citing improved security; the mission currently involves about 4,600 troops. Economy & Energy: Srbijagas has initiated international arbitration against Lithuania over the Azotara Pancevo case, while MOL says talks on acquiring NIS have concluded and the deal is moving toward approvals. Belgrade Business & Jobs: A new Holiday Inn is set for Novi Pazar (over EUR 24m, 120 jobs), and Belgrade’s Dorćol gets a new luxury mixed-use residential push. World Cup Glance: Serbia’s region stays in the spotlight as Bosnia and Herzegovina return to the World Cup, with the “BiH” abbreviation explained as “Bosnia i Herzegovina.”

Judicial Reform Watch: The Venice Commission is set to endorse an urgent opinion on Serbia’s recent amendments to judicial laws, flagging changes that could weaken prosecutors’ and courts’ independence. EU & Regional Integration: At the EU–Western Balkans summit in Tivat, leaders agreed to push accession talks without a final joint declaration, with Montenegro’s possible 2028 EU date in focus. Serbia Politics: Aleksandar Vučić says he may resign within months and is considering running for prime minister in the next parliamentary elections. Energy & Business: Serbia’s NIS deal remains in the spotlight as MOL negotiations progress, with licensing steps tied to the company’s future. Belgrade Diplomacy: Greece’s foreign minister is visiting Belgrade for talks with Serbian leadership. World Cup Serbia Connection: Serbian-born violinist Aleksandar Gajic is tapped to perform Bosnia-Herzegovina’s anthem at the North America opening ceremonies. Public Health: Hungary orders a radical wild boar cull after African swine fever appears in domestic pigs, with regional export risks including Serbia mentioned.

EU Accession Talks: Serbian FM Marko Đurić met EU Enlargement chief Gert Jan Koopman in Belgrade, stressing Serbia’s EU path and reforms, while reiterating Belgrade’s readiness to continue dialogue with Pristina when conditions are met. EU Integration Deadlines: Serbian PM Djuro Macut also met Koopman, saying only a few issues remain ahead of end-June deadlines, including energy and interior affairs, with weekly cooperation to keep talks on track. Kosovo Tensions: Germany’s Bundestag extended Bundeswehr roles in the Balkans, renewing NATO KFOR in Kosovo and EUFOR Althea in Bosnia, citing ongoing stability concerns. Serbia’s Military Build-Up: A report says Serbia has become a major arms importer, with rising spending and limited transparency around deals and strategy. Telecom Reform: Telekom Srbija CEO Vladimir Lucic said roaming charges between Serbia and the EU should be abolished by end-2026 or in Q1 2027. Politics at Home: President Aleksandar Vučić said he plans to resign soon and is considering running for prime minister. World Cup Kickoff: Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup against South Africa at the Azteca, with Serbia’s spotlight also tied to the tournament’s wider global career impact.

SEECP in Sofia: Serbia’s foreign ministry state secretary Nevena Jovanović took part in the South-East European Cooperation Process 30th anniversary ministerial, pushing stronger regional ties on transport, energy and digital infrastructure. Kosovo Serb seat fight: Belgrade-backed Serbian List is disputing the reserved Serb seat won by Nenad Rašić, with legal experts saying voters can back any party—highlighting a deeper battle over who represents Kosovo Serbs. Belgrade police crackdown: RTS reports the deputy commander of the Belgrade Police Intervention Unit was arrested, joining earlier arrests tied to alleged cover-up around a restaurant shooting case. EU transport delays: The European Court of Auditors warns Western Balkans transport projects are unlikely to meet the 2030 EU deadline due to slow implementation and weak oversight. NIS/MOL deal: Serbia says it closed key issues with MOL on the shareholder agreement for NIS, with conditions tied to Gazprom Neft’s stake sale and OFAC approval. World Cup focus: Mexico kick off the 2026 tournament against South Africa in a repeat of 2010, while Serbia’s Adriana Vilagos won bronze in Oslo’s Diamond League javelin. Sports politics: FIS president Johan Eliasch lost a tight election and alleged IOC influence.

World Cup Focus: Saudi Arabia’s $2bn football spending spree has put big-name stars in the spotlight, but the national team still heads into the 2026 tournament under pressure after poor results and a coach change. Belgrade & Serbia Politics: A protest group gathered outside the Special Court as Culture Minister Nikola Selaković’s trial resumed in the General Staff building case, with demonstrators booing and chanting amid allegations tied to falsified documents. Energy & Business: Serbia’s NIS has applied to the US OFAC for a new operating licence after June 16, as ownership talks with MOL and Gazprom Neft continue under sanctions rules. Regional Cooperation: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut told the SEECP summit in Sofia that regional unity matters most amid cyber, hybrid and migration threats, stressing partnership over isolation. Tech & Industry: Serbia’s environment minister met China’s Minth Group on humanoid robots manufacturing in Serbia, pitching it as a step toward EXPO 2027 services and a new industrial push. Work & Economy: Eurostat data shows Serbia’s average workweek around 40.6 hours, higher than the EU average. Sports & Culture: Ubisoft is closing studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade and cutting up to 380 jobs, while Serbia’s sports scene also keeps buzzing with FIBA 3x3 Vienna 2026 previews and Serbia-linked talent.

Energy & Industry: Serbia says it will not block the planned sale of Russia’s majority stake in NIS, as Gazprom–MOL talks near a final phase under a US OFAC deadline extended to June 16. Regional Diplomacy: Moldova’s PM Alexandru Munteanu and Serbia’s PM Đuro Macut are set to meet in Sofia at the SEECP summit marking 30 years of regional cooperation, with leaders adopting a final declaration and handing the rotating chair to Romania. Belgrade Infrastructure: Serbia’s Railways Infrastructure is seeking an environmental impact assessment for BG Voz Karaburma station and the rail link from the Vračar tunnel tubes, with the project estimated at about €22.2m. Sports & Society: Serbia’s Football Association launched a tender for U21 Euro pitches across Belgrade, Ruma, Stara Pazova, Novi Sad, Šabac, Niš, Loznica and Leskovac. Security: Serbia’s Interior Ministry says members of the Rapid Response Unit were arrested over alleged trading in influence after a firearm incident at a “Steak and Wine Bar” in Belgrade. World Stage: The 2026 World Cup officially kicks off June 11 across the US, Mexico and Canada, with Serbia absent from the tournament.

World Cup Opener: Mexico host South Africa at the Estadio Azteca to kick off the expanded 48-team World Cup, with Javier Aguirre’s side aiming to turn home pressure into Group A points and Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana looking to end their tournament drought. Belgrade Football: Sasa Ilic has been unveiled as the new head coach of Partizan Belgrade on a two-year deal after Srdjan Blagojevic’s contract was ended. Serbia–Angola Ties: President João Lourenço met Serbian officials in Belgrade, signed 10 cooperation agreements, and received Serbia’s Order of the Republic as both sides push deeper economic partnership. Energy Deal Watch: Serbia’s mining and energy minister says talks over MOL’s acquisition of Gazprom Neft’s majority stake in NIS are progressing, with key deadlines tied to US approval. Prosecutor Update: Serbia’s Higher Prosecutor’s Office dismissed part of a criminal complaint against former Belgrade police chief Veselin Milic. EU Enlargement Context: EU-Western Balkans summit coverage highlights a push for faster, “gradual integration” options as enlargement debate heats up.

Belgrade Diplomacy: Serbia met India’s ambassador as officials stressed long-standing ties, IT cooperation, and India’s non-recognition stance on Kosovo. Angola-Serbia Deals: Angola’s President João Lourenço arrived in Belgrade for a three-day visit expected to unlock new economic and legal agreements, including investment protection and double-tax rules. EU & Energy Watch: Serbia and Ukraine are reported to have met 2025 gas storage targets, while Serbia’s renewable “privileged producer” status is expiring for 60+ power plants. Power & Environment: EPS is pushing ahead with the RHPP Bistrica environmental assessment for a planned 100-meter Uvac dam. Belgrade City Changes: The Staklenac shopping center and Bajloni Market are set for removal by year-end ahead of subway works. Serbian Culture Spotlight: A Belgrade church relic of the Virgin Mary’s belt drew over a million visitors. Global Context: EU warns over Russians getting Serbian passports.

EU Enlargement & Rule of Law: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić says EU enlargement matters for both the Western Balkans and the EU, pointing to progress on judicial reforms and ODIHR election recommendations. EU Accession Talks: Danijel Apostolović says Serbia could be technically ready to open Cluster 2 by end-June, with key work on state aid and free zones. Economy & Growth: Prime Minister Đuro Macut chaired a GDP-growth coordination session, citing 3.2% Q1 growth and highlighting tourism, construction and foreign trade, plus a push to speed up 20 priority investment projects. Energy & Nuclear Debate: Serbia’s nuclear plans are heating up, with China pitching small modular reactors—while experts warn the idea may be unrealistic and hard to get approved. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s election results are processed, with Vetëvendosje leading and the Serbian List projected to win most Serb reserved seats. EU Security Warning: The European Commission warns that rising numbers of Russians getting Serbian passports could create security risks for the EU. Diplomacy: President Vučić is set to receive Angola’s Lourenço, as Serbia also meets India on deepening cooperation. Work & Society: An Infostud survey finds around 60% of employees in Serbia plan to change jobs within a year.

Kosovo Politics: Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje won Kosovo’s snap parliamentary election with about 43% of the vote, but it still fell short of the majority needed to govern alone, keeping coalition talks on the table after months of deadlock and low turnout. Serbia Economy: Serbia’s dinar held steady against the euro at 117.3823 per euro, while the indicative rate against the dollar moved lower, according to the National Bank of Serbia. Energy Deal: Hungary’s MOL got a new U.S. license to keep negotiating its planned acquisition of a majority stake in Serbia’s NIS, extending talks until June 16. Aviation Links: Etihad and Romania’s TAROM launched a codeshare that also connects to Belgrade and other Eastern European cities, with a new Abu Dhabi–Bucharest service due to start in December 2026. Sports & Culture: Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic and Anna Danilina lost the Roland Garros women’s doubles final; meanwhile, Serbia’s Strahinja Stojacic earned a spot on the FIBA 3x3 World Cup men’s Team of the Tournament after Latvia won the title in Warsaw.

Kosovo Snap Election: Early results from Kosovo’s third parliamentary vote in 18 months show Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje leading with about 43.7% as the count continues, but the outcome may still fail to break the deadlock over forming a government and electing a president. EU-Western Balkans Pressure: In Tivat, Serbia’s EU track stayed in focus as Ursula von der Leyen stressed merit-based accession tied to rule-of-law and foreign-policy alignment, while Friedrich Merz said Serbia must decide where it stands. Montenegro-Serbia Tensions: The European Commission urged “mutual respect and dialogue” after Montenegro barred dozens of Serbian citizens from entry for security reasons. Energy Security: Serbia agreed another three-month extension of its Gazprom gas supply deal, with officials citing affordability and predictability. Business & Trade: Serbia and South Korea completed negotiations for a free trade agreement, with signing expected after internal procedures. Culture: China and Serbia marked the Duanwu Dragon Boat Festival in Belgrade, highlighting growing cultural ties.