AGP Executive Report

Student Push in Serbia’s Election Race: Serbia’s student movement, behind nearly two years of anti-government protests, formally submitted its electoral list to the national commission ahead of the Oct. 25 vote, after a march through Belgrade. Election Integrity Probe Stalls: A long-running police investigation into alleged SNS vote-buying and illicit campaign finance has made little progress, with no interviews conducted for nearly three years, raising fresh concerns as the campaign heats up. Vucic’s Exit Timeline: President Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign on Sept. 27 and enter the race as an “ordinary citizen,” setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown. EU Pressure Over Mladic Funeral: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos says the glorification of war criminals and genocide denial are incompatible with EU values, urging Serbia to respect victims’ dignity after state honors at Ratko Mladić’s Belgrade funeral. Regional Unity Message: In Banja Luka, caretaker PM Đuro Macut said Serbian Unity must be more than a holiday slogan, calling for everyday action and support for young people across the Drina. Belgrade on UEFA Map: UEFA confirmed Belgrade will host the 2029 Europa League final at the National Stadium.

Student Politics in Belgrade: Serbia’s student-led “Student List – Students Win” formally submitted its 250-candidate ticket to the election commission ahead of the Oct. 25 parliamentary vote, after months of signatures, marches, and a long internal selection process. Election Rules & Abroad Voting: The state election body says voters abroad can request entry to the unified electoral roll via Serbian missions, with a deadline of Oct. 3. Vučić Resignation Plan: President Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign on Sept. 27 and address the public that evening, while also positioning himself around the snap election timeline. Campus Pressure: Education officials warn that blockades and missed classes will be treated as illegal, with inspectors and salary consequences. Protest “Sonic Cannon” Fight: Prosecutors argue the “sonic cannon” claim was based on edited footage and announce criminal action against those they say spread the disinformation. Energy Deal: Masdar and Taaleri Energia inaugurated the 154MW Čibuk 2 wind farm, joining Čibuk 1 for 312MW and powering about 178,800 homes.

Serbia-EU Politics: Serbia’s electoral commission approved a Progressives-led coalition list for the Oct. 25 vote, with the ballot number one slot going to “Aleksandar Vucic – United Serbia,” headed by Vučić. Student & University Tensions: Hundreds rallied outside Belgrade’s Faculty of Philosophy after an attack on dean Danijel Sinani, with students framing it as an assault on university autonomy and the student movement. Campaign Promises: Vučić’s letter to pensioners is paired with claims of pre-election cash gifts (150–300 euros) and automatic payments from Sept. 22. Belgrade-Baku Diplomacy: Vučić received Azerbaijan’s new ambassador’s credentials and praised Baku’s support for EXPO 2027. Tech & Security: Serbia is turning to China for AI, drawing US and EU warnings about “trusted” suppliers and EU rule alignment. Defense Modernization: Serbian special forces drills reportedly featured armed robotic dogs and the “Mali Miloš” combat vehicle. Sports: Serbia’s men’s 3x3 team lost the Europe Cup third-place match to France; Djokovic also fell out of the ATP top 10 after a US Open shock.

Serbian Politics & Elections: The Republic Election Commission published the “Aleksandar Vučić – United Serbia” list for the Oct. 25 early parliamentary vote, with 250 candidates and 209,130 signatures deemed valid. Student List Drive: Student List supporters keep lining up across Serbia to back the ticket; Belgrade and Novi Sad saw long queues as the University of Belgrade rector signed the list and organizers say they’ll submit it Monday. Mental Health: A new report warns that 20% of children aged 9–18 meet criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder, calling for earlier, easier access to support and tighter links between schools, health and social services. Kosovo Update: Kosovo’s parliament approved Albin Kurti’s new government after months of deadlock, but the presidency vote remains unresolved, keeping fresh political turmoil on the table. Security & Diplomacy: Serbia and China launched joint police patrols in Hainan, while separate reporting highlights German investigation links in the Leipzig airport drone sabotage case.

EU-Serbia tensions over Mladic funeral: Croatia warns Serbia it can’t count on support for its EU bid after the Ratko Mladić burial with state honours, while Bosnia’s FM calls for international sanctions tied to Serbia’s role. Belgrade protest timeline: Belgrade prosecutors say no sonic weapon was used at the March 15 protest, disputing earlier claims and pointing to the sequence of events. Serbia politics and elections: The Student List campaign keeps gaining backing from multiple parties and movements as Serbia prepares for snap parliamentary elections. Serbia–China cooperation: Serbian and Chinese police begin a two-week joint patrol in Hainan to boost tourist safety and deepen law-enforcement ties. Sports (Serbian spotlight): Nottingham Forest’s Nikola Milenković faces a hamstring layoff, and Serbia’s 3x3 team advances in Antwerp by sticking to defense and teamwork. Culture & community: Banat Bulgarians gather in Ivanovo, with Serbian and Bulgarian officials highlighting shared heritage.

Serbia’s snap-election sprint: Serbia’s ruling SNS submitted an election list backed by 224,000+ signatures, while the opposition “Student List” campaign is drawing huge queues and hours-long waits for signature verification, as activists and analysts debate who the “undecided” voter will actually back. Constitutional row: Birodi is urging Serbia’s Constitutional Court to rule whether President Vučić’s prime-minister campaign from the presidential office violates the constitution and anti-corruption rules. Sports, Belgrade and beyond: Serbia’s men’s 3x3 team advanced unbeaten in Antwerp, with Strahinja Stojacic stressing defense and togetherness ahead of the knockout rounds; Serbia also appears on the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup roster in Wuhan. Belgrade heat easing: After a record-hot August, forecasts point to a cooler, cloudier weekend with showers in parts of Serbia. International links with Serbia: German investigators say a Leipzig airport drone attack involved GRU-linked suspects and routes through Serbia and Bulgaria. Tech and daily life: Samsung has listed the Galaxy A08 in Serbia and Bosnia, including a 6,000mAh battery and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Serbia Politics & Elections: President Aleksandar Vučić dissolved parliament and set snap parliamentary elections for Oct. 25, as the student-led opposition pushes back against the government’s campaign tactics and demands changes to how the academic year starts. Student Movement: Students are running a “guerrilla” election campaign with stickers and street messaging, while Belgrade faculties debate whether classes should begin later (Nov. 1) to avoid clashing with the vote. Roma Representation: Roma groups in Serbia are forming a coalition to secure authentic seats in the Assembly, arguing Roma voters have been treated as a political tool for others. Public Sector Pay: Vučić says public-sector workers get an 8% raise from Dec. 1 and social protection staff 12%, alongside pre-election benefits aimed at pensioners. Belgrade Incident: A philosophy faculty dean in Belgrade was attacked and robbed; police arrested the suspect and colleagues organized support. EU Tensions: Croatia warns Serbia it could withdraw support for its EU bid over the “unacceptable” Ratko Mladić funeral honors. Global Context: Germany’s Welt reports suspects linked to Russia’s GRU in the Leipzig drone attack, with one suspect reportedly traveling via Turkey to Serbia.

Serbia Politics: President Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign on Sept. 25 or 26 and campaign as an “ordinary citizen” ahead of snap parliamentary elections on Oct. 25, after dissolving parliament. Election Pressure: The government’s pre-vote moves include an 8% public-sector pay rise from Dec. 1, higher pensions and cash payments starting Sept. 14—raising questions about how policy and campaign blur. EU Fallout: Reactions to the Ratko Mladić funeral keep escalating, with EU leaders condemning Serbia’s “glorification” and warning it clashes with EU values. Belgrade Safety: The dean of the Faculty of Philosophy in central Belgrade was attacked and robbed, with authorities detaining the suspect. Justice Access: A rights group warns children with developmental disabilities face barriers to reporting violence and accessing justice. Economy/Markets: The National Bank of Serbia reports record-high gross FX reserves of 30.81 bln euros at end-August. Environment: The Danube hit a historic low in Serbia amid severe drought. Culture & Society: Expo 2027 cultural creativity competition sparks a dispute between the Ministry of Culture and the Expo company. Tech/Global: Roblox announced a creator wallet and plans to expand AI game building and standalone app distribution—now including Serbia.

Snap Election Countdown: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign on Sept. 25 or 26 after returning from New York, then campaign as an “ordinary citizen” ahead of Oct. 25 parliamentary elections, while also announcing higher salaries and pensions from Dec. 1. EU & Memory Politics: The lavish funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade continues to trigger EU backlash and fresh questions about whether Serbia’s glorification of wartime figures will carry real consequences for its EU path. Water Crisis: The Danube hit a historic low in Serbia amid drought, with the Bezdan station recording the lowest level ever, while authorities move to protect supplies. Science & Space Ties: Serbia’s science minister says cooperation with the US is getting more concrete after the Artemis Accords, including space research links. Regional Diplomacy: Caretaker PM Đuro Macut met Algeria’s ambassador to discuss deeper political and economic cooperation. Sports & Events: Belgrade was named host of the 2026/27 water polo Champions League Final Four, and pools were confirmed for the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in Wuhan.

Snap Election Politics: Serbia’s student movement kicked off its election campaign in Novi Sad, unveiling candidates and pushing a door-to-door drive ahead of the Oct. 25 vote. Opposition Coalition-Building: The “People’s Serbia” coalition formally formed, agreeing to run together in the extraordinary parliamentary elections and collecting signatures from Friday. Media Freedom: Journalists and NGOs rallied in Belgrade in support of Zoran Kesic after Nova S canceled his satirical “24 Minutes,” arguing it’s about space for criticism and editorial autonomy. EU & Kosovo Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met France’s Western Balkans envoy René Troccaz, stressing Serbia’s push for a stronger role in EU accession and highlighting the difficult situation of Kosovo-Metohija Serbs. Agriculture Pressure: Farmers’ association leaders say the government offered no real solutions ahead of autumn sowing, warning of high input costs and low purchase prices. Culture & Serbia Abroad: A Serbian exhibition of Chinese Hebei relics opened in Belgrade, while Serbian filmmakers’ “The Outing” was named the country’s Oscar candidate. Sports: Hearts of Oak’s Serbian coach Nebojsa Kapor looks to keep structure as they face Bibiani GoldStars in their first away match of the season.

Snap Election Watch: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić dissolved parliament and called snap parliamentary elections for October 25, a move analysts link to consolidating his grip as student-led protests continue. EU Enlargement Pressure: Commissioner Marta Kos said the EU must clarify whether Serbia is still a suitable candidate after the state-honoured funeral of Ratko Mladić, pointing to reconciliation, rule of law, and upcoming elections. Belgrade’s Global Stage: Caretaker PM Djuro Macut opened a WADA Executive Committee meeting in Belgrade, while Vučić told the International Space Summit in Paris Serbia wants deeper ties with the European space ecosystem, including small satellites. Sports & Integrity: Macut’s WADA hosting pitch and Serbia’s push in space both underline a bid for credibility abroad. Aviation Dispute: Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said the airline will dispute a Serbian passenger’s claim that he was partially “sucked out” when a window broke mid-flight. Climate Backdrop: Copernicus reported August as the world’s joint hottest month, with drought impacts including Serbia. Culture: Dragana Crnjak’s exhibition “Forest” opens in the US, while Serbia’s DJ Ahmet leads nominees for the Adriatic Film and TV Awards.

Snap Elections: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić dissolved parliament and called early elections for October 25, saying political tensions and social conflict make delay risky for democracy and for projects like EXPO. Student Politics: Student activists say the “Student list” is ready and will be published soon, while a new citizens’ group—“Student list - Students are winning”—has formed with the slogan “Serbia or the mafia,” and students plan a campaign start in Novi Sad on September 10. EU Fallout Over Mladic: The fallout from Ratko Mladić’s funeral continues to ripple across Europe, with renewed criticism of Serbia’s handling of the case and pressure on EU engagement. Climate Pressure: August 2026 was confirmed as the world’s joint hottest month on record, at 1.65°C above pre-industrial levels, with drought and low river flows reported across parts of Europe including Serbia. Foreign Policy Moves: Serbia’s diplomacy stays busy—Marko Đurić met U.S. lawmakers, and Serbia and Uzbekistan advanced cooperation, including a strategic partnership push.

Snap Election Shock: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić dissolved parliament and set snap parliamentary elections for October 25, citing “turbulence” after nearly two years of anti-corruption protests sparked by the Novi Sad railway canopy collapse that killed 16 people. EU Friction Over Mladić: The EU condemned Serbia over the state-backed funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, saying official support and senior attendance contradict Serbia’s EU path—while Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled Serbian diplomats in response. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Đurić met Uzbekistan’s FM in Belgrade, highlighting steps toward a Serbian embassy in Tashkent and deeper strategic cooperation. Economy Watch: Caretaker PM Đuro Macut said Q2 2026 real GDP growth hit 3.8%, inflation is 2.2%, unemployment is 7.2%, and tourism and construction are improving. Tech & Industry: Quectel unveiled an upgraded 5G module for rail systems, developed at its European research center in Belgrade, supporting the FRMCS shift to 5G. Regional Politics: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos warned candidate countries to avoid political dependencies tied to MAGA.

Snap Elections: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić says he will dissolve parliament on Sept. 9 and hold extraordinary parliamentary elections on Oct. 25, framing it as a way to end the political crisis after nearly two years of student-led protests. Mladic Funeral Fallout: The UK summoned Serbia’s charge d’affaires in London to condemn state and military honours for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, while EU leaders and UN officials also denounced the “glorification” and genocide denial concerns. Bosnia Escalation: Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled two Serbian diplomats—its foreign minister ordered a military attaché and an intelligence-linked adviser to leave within 48 hours—after the funeral row deepened tensions and derailed planned regional cooperation. World Map Politics: The UN backed the “Equal Earth” world map approach, with Africa shown at far larger relative size; Serbia was among countries that abstained, while India backed the technical equal-area principle. Belgrade Procurement: “Belgrade on the Move” says pressure is being put on the procurement commission over a tender to modernize traffic lights, alleging conditions keep pointing to the same supplier.

EU backlash over Mladić funeral: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council chief António Costa called the Belgrade ceremony for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić “shocking,” saying official support and senior Serbian attendance contradict EU values and could affect Serbia’s accession path. Bosnia retaliates diplomatically: Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled two Serbian embassy staff in Sarajevo, giving them 48 hours to leave, and signaled further steps including reducing diplomatic presence after the honours for Mladić. Serbia-Uzbekistan ties: President Aleksandar Vučić met Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Belgrade, signing a statement on a strategic partnership and pushing for faster free trade and direct flights. Pre-election pressure claims: CRTA reported a surge in pre-election political pressure and polarization, including threats and alleged spyware targeting students. LGBT rights debate: LGBT activist Helena Vuković argued same-sex unions should be legally recognized, saying she pays taxes and wants equal rights. Other notable: Serbia’s National Bank governor Jorgovanka Tabaković received an A- grade in Global Finance’s 2026 rankings; and Mumbai City FC signed Serbian defender Lazar Cirković for the 2026-27 ISL season.

EU-Serbia Rift Over Mladić Funeral: Thousands packed Belgrade for the burial of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić with military honours, while the European Commission warned there is “no place” for glorifying war criminals and genocide denial in EU candidate countries. Diplomatic Fallout: Bosnia and Herzegovina announced it will recall embassy staff and cut ties to the “lowest possible level” after the funeral. Snap Election Push: Prime Minister Đuro Macut asked President Aleksandar Vučić to dissolve parliament, setting up early elections in October amid months of student-led protests. Regional Politics: Former Croatian PM Jadranka Kosor called for a full suspension of Serbia’s EU accession talks following the funeral. UN Map Debate: The UN endorsed the “Equal Earth” projection to correct distortions of Africa’s size; Serbia abstained while the US voted against. Economy & Work: An ILO snapshot puts Serbia in the middle on labor productivity among Western Balkans, with Albania lowest and Montenegro highest. Serbia-Uzbekistan Ties: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev began an official visit to Belgrade with talks on investment, transport links, and cooperation.