Your daily news update on Serbia

Provided by AGP

Got News to Share?

AGP Executive Report

Your go-to archive of top headlines, summarized for quick and easy reading.

Note: These AI-generated summaries are based on news headlines, with neutral sources weighted more heavily to reduce bias.

Serbia–Ukraine Diplomacy: A Serbia–Ukraine Business Forum opened in Belgrade, bringing 45 businesspeople (including 12 from Ukraine) and pushing the next step on a free-trade agreement, with Ukraine’s Deputy PM Taras Kachka leading the delegation. EU Integration Push: Five EU states backed a “step-by-step” plan to let Western Balkan candidates access parts of the single market once they meet sector rules—covering energy, transport, digital services and critical raw materials. Ukraine Visit Update: Zelenskyy’s Serbia trip is postponed, but Kachka will still travel to set up talks, after Vučić and Zelenskyy held an “open and constructive” phone call. Energy & Industry: The week also keeps spotlight on Serbia’s regional economic leverage—from trade returning near pre-war levels to new deals and investment interest. Sports & Culture: Serbia’s Eurovision run stayed in view as Israel’s Noam Bettan finished second in Vienna, while tennis and basketball rankings rolled on.

Kosovo Security Crackdown: A Kosovo court sentenced Serb police lieutenant Bojan Jevtić to six years for spying for Serbia’s BIA, fining him €2,000 and banning him from public office for five years—marking the third espionage conviction by the same court in recent months. Trade Talks Restart: Serbia and Ukraine are preparing a joint statement to keep negotiating a free trade agreement, with a possible signing soon by Ukraine’s deputy PM Taras Kachka and Serbia’s trade minister Jagoda Lazarević, aiming for sector-by-sector tariff cuts and simpler rules. Belgrade Cyber Fallout: Belgrade schools are still dealing with malware after a network breach, with repairs expected to run into June and officials checking whether student and staff personal data was affected. War on Drugs: Zimbabwe reports ZiG 80 million in drug seizures in a nationwide blitz, alongside thousands of arraignments and convictions.

Kosovo Tensions: A Kosovo court sentenced Serb police lieutenant Bojan Jevtic to six years for espionage, saying he leaked confidential police data to Serbia’s BIA, while Serbia’s Petar Petkovic insists KFOR is the only legitimate armed force and warns Pristina cannot form parapolice squads under existing agreements. Crime & Accountability: In Belgrade, Serbia’s president blamed Montenegrin crime gangs after the arrest of a former police chief tied to a murder cover-up probe, as police leadership faces fresh scrutiny. Energy & Industry: Stellantis output in Kragujevac is rising toward 150,000 vehicles a year, and Serbia is weighing options on NIS if talks with MOL fail—while a Hungary-Serbia pipeline tender has a winner. Diplomacy & Security: Serbia’s MFA condemned a drone attack near the UAE’s Barakah plant; meanwhile, a NATO-Serbia cooperation meeting focused on KFOR’s role in Kosovo and a joint exercise. Economy Watch: The dinar sits at about RSD 117.3980 per euro.

Sanctions Crackdown: Germany says it has dismantled a network smuggling Western dual-use tech into Russia’s nuclear and submarine programs, arresting a Lübeck-linked suspect tied to intermediaries across Central Asia and the Caucasus. Balkan Politics: In Baku at WUF13, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met Kenya’s William Ruto, with Kosovo on the agenda after Nairobi’s earlier recognition. Belgrade Watch: Main Street resurfacing in Belgrade, Montana, starts May 26 with lane changes and no parking during a five-day stretch. Energy & Industry: The U.S. backs new gas routes across the Western Balkans to cut Russian reliance, while Serbia’s CBAM impact is flagged as already disrupting electricity trading. Sports Spotlight: Phoenix’s Serbian rookie Jovana Nogić set a WNBA record for points by an undrafted player, and BVB are reportedly scouting Red Star’s Vasilije Kostov.

NBA MVP Reveal: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to be named NBA MVP on Sunday night, with the Thunder’s West finals home game against San Antonio looming right after—another trophy for the Canadian star and a fresh reminder that MVP voting keeps going international. Serbia-EU Path: The European Commission says Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed support for Serbia’s EU reforms ahead of the June Western Balkans summit. Digital Serbia: Prime Minister Djuro Macut touts Serbia’s progress in digital public administration and AI-ready services, framing it as “results citizens feel.” Kosovo Tensions: Serb associations in Kosovo back a student Kosovo memorandum, while Serbia’s opposition warns it ignores key Brussels/French-German agreements. Police Crackdown: The Senjak murder case is expanding, with Serbia’s police director saying the search now includes the Army and new leads after the arrest of Belgrade’s police chief. Global Watch: EU border refusals rose in 2025, and Europe is monitoring hantavirus concerns as preparations vary by country.

Judicial Overhaul: Serbia is sending improved drafts of five key judicial laws to the Venice Commission rapporteurs today, after a May 15 working-group meeting with Justice Minister Nenad Vujic and experts—aimed at reshaping the “Mrdic’s Laws” amendments following Venice recommendations. EU Enlargement Pressure: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos told Pristina there’s a place for Kosovo in the EU, but only if institutions deliver reforms and progress in the Pristina–Belgrade dialogue. Council of Europe Line Drawn: Foreign Minister Marko Djuric says Kosovo will not join the Council of Europe, warning that a government that violates Serb rights should have no seat. Baku Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vucic met Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev in Baku, praising support for Serbia’s territorial integrity and pushing cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and investment. Sports Spotlight: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the NBA MVP again—back-to-back—while Bulgaria’s Dara took Eurovision with “Bangaranga.”

Eurovision Shockwave: Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” beating Israel’s Noam Bettan to second place as protests and a boycott hung over the night. Serbia-Azerbaijan Pivot: President Aleksandar Vučić wrapped up talks in Baku with Azerbaijani leaders and business groups, calling Azerbaijan a “true friendly country” and pushing for trade turnover to rise fivefold, with fresh focus on tourism, agriculture, retail, and energy ties. Regional Politics Watch: Montenegro’s independence anniversary has reignited Belgrade–Podgorica tensions after Vučić said he won’t attend, while Kosovo’s political deadlock is again pushing the country toward another snap election. Sports Spotlight: Jannik Sinner kept rolling in Rome, winning his sixth straight ATP Masters 1000 title, while Serbian WNBA rookie Jovana Nogic is turning heads with a record-setting start.

Eurovision Shockwave: Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” grabbing a first-ever title by overtaking Israel at the very end as the contest stayed politically charged and chaotic. Regional Scoreboard Drama: Croatia handed Serbia 12 jury points, while Serbia returned the favor with zero to Croatia—another reminder that Balkan voting still carries extra emotional weight. Protest-Tension Backdrop: Israel’s second-place finish came amid boycotts and demonstrations, with security repeatedly removing protesters during performances. Sports Pulse: In the NBA, MVP will be announced Sunday with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokić as finalists; in the WNBA, Serbian rookie Jovana Nogić helped Phoenix beat Chicago 91-83 after a late comeback. Road Safety Alert: A bus crash in Croatia near the Serbian border killed 10 and injured at least 45, with authorities still investigating the cause.

Eurovision Final in Vienna: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest is underway with 25 acts on stage, tight security, and a week of pop plus politics still hanging over the Wiener Stadthalle—especially after Israel’s participation sparked boycotts and protests. Running Order Spotlight: Denmark opens, Austria closes; Serbia performs 9th with “Kraj Mene,” while UK entry “Eins, Zwei, Drei” is 14th and Australia’s Delta Goodrem sings 8th with “Eclipse.” Voting Rules (UK): UK viewers can vote online or via the app up to 10 times, 15p per vote, but can’t vote for their own country; voting stays open from just before the first song through about 40 minutes after the last. Regional News: In Croatia, a bus crash near Slavonski Brod killed 10 and injured at least 45, with Kosovo license plates reported. Sports Watch: The NBA MVP is set for Sunday reveal—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, or Nikola Jokic.

Eurovision Grand Final: Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle hosts the 70th Eurovision tonight with tight security and rain failing to kill the buzz—25 countries are set to compete, but the show is still shadowed by boycotts over Israel’s participation, including Spain’s high-profile absence. Running Order Buzz: The official lineup is out, with Finland tipped as a frontrunner and Denmark opening the night, sparking online fears it could hurt their chances. Regional Politics: Milorad Dodik escalated tensions in Sarajevo after a shop incident, urging Serbian firms to close branches there—while authorities say the investigation is ongoing and no motives have been officially confirmed. Serbia in Sport: In the WNBA, Serbian rookie Jovana Nogic helped Phoenix beat Chicago 91-83, while in football Serbia’s Red Star crowned Ghanaian winger Douglas Owusu as part of their league title run. World Cup Watch: Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa says he’s chasing a sixth World Cup as the tournament countdown tightens.

Belgrade Police Shake-Up: The chief of the Belgrade City Police Directorate, Veselin Milić, was arrested and detained for 48 hours over allegations tied to a missing person case and a suspected murder cover-up, while the Interior Ministry says he is no longer head of the capital’s police. Eurovision Countdown: With the Grand Final in Vienna on Saturday, Serbia’s Lavina is set in the running order, while the contest remains shadowed by a major boycott over Israel’s participation and expected protests during the broadcast. NIS Talks: Serbia says it will deliver its final position to Hungary’s MOL on the takeover of NIS, with MOL expected to respond around May 18 as key issues—especially the Pancevo refinery and fuel supply—remain unresolved. Regional Tensions: Belgrade and Podgorica trade barbs over Montenegro’s independence anniversary, with Serbia accusing Montenegro of inflaming relations. Weather Warning: Serbia braces for a stormy weekend with thunder, hail, heavy rain and a sharp temperature drop. Sports & Culture: Red Star’s Ghanaian forward Douglas Owusu won the Serbian league title; Serbia’s documentary “To Hold a Mountain” took top prize at Millennium Docs Against Gravity.

Eurovision Shockwave: The final lineup is locked after Thursday’s Semi-Final 2 in Vienna, with Cyprus qualifying through Antigoni Buxton’s “Jalla,” joining Australia’s Delta Goodrem (“Eclipse”) and Bulgaria’s Dara (“Bangaranga”) among the Saturday contenders. Serbia-Energy Deal: Serbia’s mining and energy minister says the country will submit its bid for a majority stake in NIS to Hungary’s MOL by end of day, with a response expected by Monday as talks run under a US OFAC negotiation license. Rights Under Scrutiny: A Serbian police-violence report alleges “punitive” abuse during protests, including injuries to minors and bystanders, as prosecutors move into pre-investigation. Regional Integration: Energy ministers in Athens backed faster grid links across Southeastern Europe, pitching the gas corridor as both security and cooperation infrastructure. Local Watch: Alexandroupolis marked its Greece-union anniversary with a military parade, while Belgrade’s metro and other infrastructure items keep rolling in the background.

Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: Kosovo’s acting PM Albin Kurti says Serbia is blocking aid meant for ethnic Albanians in southern Serbia, leaving 3,650 pupils without free textbooks, 750 students without scholarships, and 950 farmers without support—Kurti says he raised the issue with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Media Freedom Under Pressure: A leaked draft contract says United Group’s regional media could be sold for €30m to an Orbán-linked fund orbit, with N1 and Nova listed—sparking fresh fears of political influence over critical reporting. NATO-Serbia Signal: Serbia and NATO launched their first-ever joint drills near Bujanovac, with about 600 troops practicing peace-support style scenarios while Serbia reiterates neutrality. Energy Deal Drag: Serbia says it’s still not satisfied with MOL’s revised offer for NIS, with talks continuing over how the Pančevo refinery would be run. Protests Turn Violent: In Belgrade, a driver reversed into an elderly man during a silent protest blockade; the driver was arrested and faces attempted murder charges. Politics Ahead of Elections: Opposition figures push for elections and warn against fragmentation, while student-ticket backers call it a response to Vucic’s “smokescreen.”

Eurovision Watch: The second Eurovision semi-final is underway in Vienna tonight, with 15 countries chasing the last 10 spots for Saturday’s grand final—while Israel’s Noam Bettan heads into the spotlight after a tense first show marked by booing and pro-Palestinian protests. Serbia-EU Push: Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric is urging the EU to speed up enlargement and open Schengen to Western Balkans countries, arguing “hard borders” choke tourism and the economy. Energy Talks: Belgrade says it’s still not satisfied with Hungary’s MOL revised plan for taking over NIS, with supply security and refinery impact on the economy still the sticking points. Security Update: Montana police say a knife robbery spree linked Bozeman and Belgrade, with a suspect now in custody elsewhere. Culture: Greece and Serbia welcomed seven Hilandar Monastery relics into Belgrade ahead of the Saint Sava exhibition.

Eurovision Fallout: Noam Bettan still made it to the Eurovision final in Vienna despite loud “stop the genocide” chants and four spectators being removed during his “Michelle” performance. Serbia in the Spotlight: Serbia’s Lavina also qualified, joining a final lineup that includes Moldova, Israel, Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Croatia, Lithuania and Poland. Local Security Shock: A knife-armed suspect was arrested after three rapid robberies—one in Bozeman and another in Belgrade—police say there’s no further threat. Energy Talks: Serbia says it’s still not satisfied with MOL’s revised plan for the Russian stake in NIS, with the Pancevo refinery’s role in the market the main sticking point. EU Foreign Policy: Serbia remains the only Western Balkans EU candidate not aligned with the EU’s four new Russia/Belarus-related foreign policy decisions, while aligning on Myanmar sanctions. Banking Moves: Slovenia’s NLB has relaunched its bid for Austria’s Addiko Bank at €29 per share, aiming for a 75% voting threshold.

Eurovision Shockwave: Finland and Greece surged into the Eurovision final, but Israel’s qualification stole the spotlight after “stop the genocide” chants echoed during Noam Bettan’s “Michelle,” with five countries boycotting the show over Gaza. Finalists Confirmed: Alongside Finland, Greece and Israel, the first semi-final qualifiers include Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Serbia, Croatia and Lithuania, while Estonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Portugal and San Marino were eliminated. Serbia in the Spotlight: Serbian goth-metal Lavina booked their place with “Kraj Mene,” turning the night into a mix of music and politics. Sports Sidebar: In tennis, Jannik Sinner matched Novak Djokovic’s 31 straight ATP Masters 1000 wins with a Rome victory, while LeBron’s Lakers future is suddenly uncertain after a 4-0 playoff sweep. Regional Security: Police chiefs from eight Southeast European countries met in Sarajevo to push tougher cross-border cooperation against organized crime, trafficking and cybercrime.

Storm Alert: Serbia’s Interior Ministry and the Hydrometeorological Institute have issued urgent warnings for Western Serbia, Šumadija, Pomoravlje and Eastern Serbia, with severe storms, strong winds, hail and heavy rain expected—authorities say citizens should protect vehicles and follow official instructions. Eurovision in Vienna: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest kicks off tonight with Semi-Final 1, featuring Serbia’s LAVINA among 15 acts chasing 10 final spots; UK viewers can’t vote in this first semi-final. Kosovo Dialogue: Petar Petkovic met EU envoy Peter Sorensen in Brussels, warning that Pristina’s pressure on Kosovo-Metohija Serbs and election-driven unilateral moves are stalling dialogue, while Belgrade pushes concrete steps like the Community of Serb Municipalities. NATO Exercise: Serbia has started its first-ever joint military drill with NATO near Bujanovac, with about 600 troops participating under the Partnership for Peace framework. Parliament & Elections: MPs began debating amendments to four electoral laws, with the opposition calling them cosmetic and warning about continued abuse of the electoral process.

EU Surveillance Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says the EU is failing to stop member states’ spy-tech exports to regimes that target activists and journalists, urging tighter controls and real enforcement. Serbia’s Economy & Science: The Serbian Association of Economists confirms Belgrade will host the 21st World Congress of Economists, June 22–26. Border Bottlenecks: Serbia is pushing the EU to speed up border procedures as truck lines keep costing “millions of hours,” even as digital entry-exit rules roll out. Aviation Moves: Air Serbia plans to protect its market via flight optimization instead of cancellations, while Avio Network completes its JAT Tehnika acquisition and targets facility modernization. Energy Planning: Serbia expects a decision next year on the site and technology for a future nuclear plant. Belgrade in the Spotlight: The U.S. has officially confirmed participation in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. Culture & Security: Eurovision 2026 starts in Vienna today amid boycott controversy and heightened security. Weather Disruption: Majdanpek hit by severe hailstorm, with streets and homes reportedly covered in white.

EU Funds Standoff: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos says Serbia hasn’t received Growth Plan payments since the disputed justice laws, but insists there’s been “no formal decision” to freeze money—while Brussels keeps checking whether Serbia meets reform criteria. Media Freedom Pressure: Rights groups urge EU ministers to act, warning Serbia’s escalating attacks on journalists could turn deadly, and pointing to a political climate that enables harassment. Kosovo Dialogue Gridlock: Serbian FM Marko Djuric says Belgrade-Pristina talks are not about mutual recognition, but about implementing the Community of Serb Municipalities; meanwhile EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas says Kosovo’s snap elections are the main reason high-level dialogue hasn’t restarted. Regional Moves: Kosovo asks the EU to start membership talks via the accession questionnaire; EU ministers also announced about €200m for Albania and Montenegro. EXPO 2027 Boost: Serbia signs a contract for US participation in Belgrade’s Expo 2027, with officials calling it a major international recognition. Sports Glance: Jannik Sinner reaches the Italian Open last 16 after beating Alexei Popyrin 6-2, 6-0.

In the last 12 hours, the most prominent Serbia-linked items in the provided coverage are international and institutional rather than domestic breaking news. Uzbekistan and Serbia featured repeatedly, with reports that Serbian officials conveyed President Aleksandar Vučić’s greetings to Uzbekistan’s leadership and that both sides discussed expanding cooperation across trade and key sectors (mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, IT, agriculture, and tourism), as well as labor migration, culture, and education. The talks also included plans for an intergovernmental commission meeting in Belgrade later this year, indicating a move from dialogue toward implementation.

Alongside that, the coverage includes a mix of Serbia-relevant public life and regional affairs: a Belgrade-area traffic incident involving a child struck by a vehicle (serious but non-life-threatening injuries), and a broader cultural note on EXIT’s history and its reported relocation to Montenegro amid resistance. There is also a health-security thread connected to Serbia through regional monitoring: WHO reporting on a suspected hantavirus cluster aboard a cruise ship, with evacuations and rising suspected cases (though the evidence provided does not tie this directly to Serbia beyond the outlet’s inclusion).

In the 12–24 hour window, the Serbia-related material becomes more policy- and economy-oriented. Reports mention Serbia’s IMF reform program progress and, separately, EU funding being frozen pending judicial reform review—both pointing to ongoing pressure around governance and reforms. Energy and payments infrastructure also appear: Serbia’s movement toward SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) and related readiness updates, plus continued attention to regional energy projects and investment pipelines. Separately, there is a recurring thread about Serbia’s external partnerships and strategic positioning, including discussions involving Central Asia and energy/industry cooperation.

Older items from 3–7 days ago provide continuity on the same themes: EU integration and judicial reform remain central, while Serbia’s external cooperation agenda continues to expand (including additional reporting on Uzbekistan ties and other diplomatic engagements). However, the evidence in the older set is broad and not always tightly connected to a single major Serbia-specific event—suggesting much of the coverage is routine follow-through on ongoing negotiations and institutional developments rather than a sudden shift.

Overall, based strictly on the provided evidence, the clearest “development” in the most recent hours is the renewed push to operationalize Serbia–Uzbekistan cooperation through sectoral programs and an intergovernmental commission meeting. Other recent items—EXIT’s Montenegro move, Belgrade traffic incident, and WHO’s hantavirus monitoring—read more like discrete updates than a single coordinated storyline.

Sign up for:

The Serbian Herald

The daily local news briefing you can trust. Every day. Subscribe now.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

Share us

on your social networks:

Sign up for:

The Serbian Herald

The daily local news briefing you can trust. Every day. Subscribe now.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.