AGP Executive Report

Kosovo War Crimes Case: Pristina’s special prosecutor indicted five Serbs in absentia over alleged civilian killings in 1999, seeking trials to proceed without the accused. EU Dialogue Standoff: Kosovo PM Albin Kurti says talks with Serbia are still possible, but only if Serbia signs and implements the Ohrid agreement, withdraws a challenge letter, and hands over Milan Radoičić—while Serbia links progress to a Serb-majority municipalities association. EU Accession Push: Serbia’s EU accession operating team met in Belgrade, with Ambassador Danijel Apostolović briefing on President António Costa’s upcoming visit and the June 5 Western Balkans summit in Tivat, plus plans to speed up reforms. Regional Diplomacy: Serbian FM Marko Djuric heads to Finland for June 2-3 talks; Serbia also signed an agreement joining Frontex Partnership Academies Network for border police training. Croatia EU Warning: Serbia’s EU integration minister says Croatia could block Serbia’s EU path over Danube border disputes. Weather Alert: RHMZ warned of severe thunderstorms across parts of Serbia, including Belgrade, with hail and strong winds possible. Culture & Youth: A new U30 film festival opens June 4-7 at the Belgrade Youth Center, spotlighting short films under 30 minutes.

World Cup Prep: Mexico named a 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament, with veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa set for a record sixth World Cup and a final warm-up vs Serbia on June 4. Diplomacy Day & EU Path: Serbia marked Serbian Diplomacy Day as Marko Đurić stressed dialogue over isolation and reiterated support for EU enlargement, including Serbia’s own “European future.” Bilateral Ties: Đurić also met Slovakia’s foreign minister, while Serbia’s foreign ministry state secretary Nevena Jovanović received new ambassadors from Morocco and North Macedonia. Weather Watch: Serbia faces unstable conditions with showers and thunderstorms; the Hydrometeorological Institute issued orange alerts for heavy downpours and storms. Media Ownership: Journalists’ groups warned about editorial independence after United Group agreed to sell Adria News Network outlets to Alpac Capital. Security & Tech: Serbia is expanding facial recognition capabilities amid legality concerns, as new systems link cameras and real-time identification. UAE-Serbia: UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed spoke with Vučić on boosting cooperation in economy, development and renewables.

UAE-Serbia Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić spoke by phone with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reaffirming ties and long-term economic cooperation under the UAE-Serbia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with regional security also on the agenda. Regional Security & Influence: Ivana Stradner (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) warned that Russia and Belgrade are exploiting divisions in the Western Balkans, citing US lawmakers’ recent visits to Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Energy & Infrastructure: Serbia is pushing gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania within two years to diversify supply routes, while Transnafta’s Novi Sad oil pipeline project moves into the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment study phase. Transport Connectivity: Serbia’s Corridor 10 high-speed rail plan through North Macedonia enters the transboundary EIA screening process, with new double-track electrified works planned near the Tabanovce crossing. Mining Update: Mundoro Capital and BHP continue intensive copper and gold exploration near Bor, with lab results expected in June. Belgrade Sports: UFC Belgrade adds a welterweight clash featuring Uroš Medic vs Daniel Rodriguez, and Greg Hardy was knocked out in Belgrade after missing weight. China-Serbia Spotlight: Xi Jinping honored Vučić for strengthening China-Serbia relations, as ties deepen with new strategic cooperation documents.

French Open Shock: Novak Djokovic’s Roland Garros run ended in the third round as Brazilian teen Joao Fonseca rallied from two sets down to win 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5, reaching the last 16 for the first time. EU Rule of Law: An EU Commission document says Serbia has stalled on rule of law, with rising pressure on judges and prosecutors, stalled major corruption cases, and growing attacks and intimidation against journalists. China-Serbia Ties: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s Beijing visit kept spotlight on “ironclad friendship,” with leaders stressing deep historical links and practical cooperation. Sports, Serbia in the Mix: Basketball news notes Jusuf Nurkic insists he has no intention of leaving the NBA, despite earlier posts. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia is set to host a June 1-4 global conference of women parliamentarians in Belgrade, with Bahrain preparing its delegation.

Serbia–China Finance: The National Bank of Serbia and the People’s Bank of China signed a new five-year currency swap worth 5 billion yuan (about EUR 630 million), boosting financial stability and trade ties. Media Ownership: Alpac Capital agreed to buy Adria News Network from United Group, with promises of editorial independence and neutral, fact-based journalism. Energy & Industry: A Belgrade panel urged companies to start with energy efficiency, while Serbia’s state plans major energy spending from 2028–2035, including new power capacity and grid, gas, and oil pipeline investments. Privatization Watch: Serbia’s updated privatization list still leaves major firms like Simpo, Trayal, Tigar, and Yumco off the imminent auction track, while some smaller companies could see tenders as early as 2026. Public Safety: Serbia’s Interior Ministry says the security situation is stable, following the Senjak corruption/crime scandal and arrests tied to senior police links. Sports (Serbia in the spotlight): Novak Djokovic’s French Open run ended in a five-set shock loss to 19-year-old Joao Fonseca, guaranteeing a first-time men’s Grand Slam champion this year. Travel Costs: spusu mobile cut roaming data prices across 115 countries, including Serbia, where data can cost as little as £2 per GB.

French Open Shock: Novak Djokovic’s record 25th Grand Slam bid ended in a five-set thriller as teenager Joao Fonseca rallied from two sets down to win 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5, handing Serbia’s star a rare major loss and guaranteeing a first-time men’s champion. Media Freedom Watch: Serbia’s regional media landscape faces fresh uncertainty after United Group’s deal to sell Adria News Network to Alpac Capital, with journalists’ groups warning about risks to pluralism and editorial independence. Serbia–China Push: President Aleksandar Vučić’s China visit highlighted deeper cooperation in robotics and youth exchanges, with plans to produce humanoid robots in Serbia and new momentum for AI and industrial ties. EAEU Integration: Leaders at an Astana summit discussed digitisation and AI to deepen Eurasian Economic Union integration, including Serbia-related trade talks and updated bloc turnover figures. Security Cooperation: Serbia’s interior leadership met to review stable public order and plans against organised crime, while regional partners also discussed Western Balkans security challenges.

Serbia–China Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić wrapped up a high-profile Beijing visit, touring the Great Wall and robot firms, praising China’s pace in robotics, and highlighting new investment plans and a “steel friendship” after Xi Jinping awarded him China’s Friendship Medal. Public Transport & Infrastructure: Serbia’s Nikola Tesla Airport is expanding with new Terminal 1 international bus-gate plans and Terminal 2 upgrades (more gates, air bridges, and an Air Serbia HQ). Rail Modernisation: The government adopted a draft guarantee for a Deutsche Bank-backed EUR 263.9m credit to buy 30 new electric trains for Srbijavoz. Energy & Renewables: EPS suspended a tender for supervision of state solar projects worth EUR 5.5m, while RES Serbia warns proposed grid-connection rules could delay wind and solar studies until late 2029. Road Rules: From July 1, fines will apply to category 4 trucks that don’t pay tolls electronically with TAG devices. Sports (Serbian spotlight): Novak Djokovic reached the French Open third round after beating Valentin Royer in heat, and Strahinja Stojacic is flagged as a key star for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw.

Serbia–China diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić wrapped up a state visit to China, praising Xi Jinping’s “ironclad friendship” and highlighting new investment prospects after receiving China’s Friendship Medal. Central banking: The National Bank of Serbia and the People’s Bank of China concluded a new five-year currency swap worth 5 bln yuan, aimed at supporting trade, direct investment and financial stability. Kosovo-Metohija tensions: Pristina authorities raided Serbian Railways buildings in northern Kosovo, replacing Cyrillic signs and hanging flags ahead of June 7 early elections. EU enlargement watch: A senior EU official said member states may agree next month to open accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine, with “cluster one” on the table. Belgrade religious life: The Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos stay at Saint Sava Temple was extended to June 5 as long lines keep growing. Sports (Serbian spotlight): Djokovic advanced at the French Open amid heat, while Sinner’s shock exit has opened the men’s draw.

China-Serbia Diplomacy: Serbian FM Marko Djuric met China’s Wang Yi in New York, with both sides pushing multilateralism and deeper ties as President Vucic’s China visit marks a “milestone.” Serbia-China Investment Boom: New agreements signed in Jiaxing include Minth deals worth €226m total and other Chinese projects, bringing over €940m in investment and 1,650 jobs. Infrastructure & Industry: Srbijaautoput will reconstruct the Novi Pazar–Ribarice main road for 2.2bn dinars (16 months), while Belgrade also announced a tender to rebuild the Kalenic market (2.36bn dinars). Public Safety & Migration: Spain, Europol and Serbian police dismantled a network smuggling Cuban migrants into Spain via Belgrade, netting eight arrests; migrants paid about €3,000 and were routed through North Macedonia, Greece, Italy and France. Sports (Serbia in Focus): Novak Djokovic reached the French Open third round after beating Valentin Royer in a tense, boo-filled match, while heat and crowd hostility continue to dominate the tournament.

Belgrade Film Industry: Beldocs Industry Days wrapped up in central Belgrade with a pitching forum awarding projects including the Serbian-Croatian “Symbols of War,” plus wins for regional co-productions. Cinema Spotlight: Slano Film Days (16–20 June) will bring directors Paweł Pawlikowski and Ruben Östlund and actress Joanna Kulig, with Pawlikowski presenting “Fatherland” after Cannes success. Serbian Diplomacy & Energy: In Belgrade, Jovana Joksimović met US Congress experts under MECEA, stressing energy security and gas interconnector priorities. China Ties in Focus: President Vučić’s China visit highlights “ironclad” partnership momentum, including 23 signed cooperation documents and new youth cultural exchange plans. Media Funding: ANEM says 45 local governments have allocated over RSD556 million for 2026 media projects, with several municipalities still missing deadlines. Environment Watch: Coalition 27 criticizes Serbia’s draft Environment Protection Program as not ambitious enough and short on clear implementation tools. Sports (Serbian at Roland Garros): Novak Djokovic advanced to the French Open third round, beating Valentin Royer in four sets amid extreme heat.

China-Serbia Pitch: President Aleksandar Vučić met executives from HBIS, Bank of China, CNNC, Xiaomi and ARIDGE in Beijing, selling Serbia as a European base for Chinese investment—from energy diversification (including nuclear talks) to “flying car” tech and EV production aimed at the European market by end-2027. Domestic Politics: The public is still fixated on whether Vučić could resign before the autumn elections, with analysts framing it as election strategy rather than a break. EU Path: Serbia’s National Bank opened a public hearing on a draft law aligning credit institutions rules with EU standards ahead of accession talks. Public Safety: A Belgrade tram derailed in Dorćol and crashed into a building, injuring 10 passengers, while police investigate the cause. Business & Tech: A new NIS2 training and international certification program for cybersecurity experts launched in Serbia.

EU Funding Row in Belfast: Belfast City Hall’s committee fight over tapping “pre-accession assistance” for EU-aspirant states turned partisan, with the DUP accusing the SDLP of replaying Brexit arguments as a majority backed the move for full council ratification. Serbia–China Diplomacy: In Beijing, President Aleksandar Vučić’s state visit is packed with high-level stops—Tsinghua, the CPC museum, and Xiaomi—while China’s leadership touts “ironclad friendship” and 23 signed cooperation documents. Domestic Pressure: Opposition figures hit back hard, calling the trip servile and warning Serbia is trading away resources; meanwhile, a BIRODI poll frames the wider crisis as one of democracy, institutions, and trust. Belgrade Crime Case: A suspected waiter linked to a restaurant murder cover-up has been placed in custody for up to 30 days. Media & Rights: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journalist safety ranking sinks further, with Serbia the only worse performer in the region.

China-Serbia Diplomacy: In Beijing, Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić China’s Friendship Medal, as both leaders pushed an “ironclad” partnership—transport, energy, and people-to-people ties—while signing cooperation documents. Domestic Politics: Vučić also rejected claims that Saturday’s anti-government rally drew 300,000 people, and reiterated he won’t quit early unless the constitution requires it, even as protests keep pressure on his rule. Regional Power Play: A new US approach to the Western Balkans leans on economic partnerships and stability, explicitly aiming to counter Chinese and Russian influence—timed as Vučić deepens his China track. Culture & Industry: Belgrade-based Rainmaker Productions says it will film back-to-back Serbian seasons of The Traitors for Prva TV, betting on global formats with local appeal. Sports: Djokovic advanced at the French Open after a comeback scare, while UFC Belgrade locked in a headline: Uros Medic vs Daniel Rodriguez on Aug. 1.

Belgrade Protest Fallout: Serbia’s president Aleksandar Vučić, speaking from Beijing, dismissed opposition claims that Saturday’s rally drew 300,000 people, saying the figure was false and insisting he won’t cut his term short—step-down only when the constitution requires. Street Tension: Earlier coverage this week showed clashes after the mass protest, with police and demonstrators trading projectiles and arrests following the demand for early elections. China Pivot, Again: In Beijing, Vučić doubled down on ties with Xi Jinping, with both leaders hailing “ironclad friendship” and signing 23 agreements, while Xi awarded Vučić China’s Order of Friendship. Sports Spotlight: Novak Djokovic kept rolling at the French Open, coming back from a set down to beat Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his record 82nd Grand Slam appearance. UFC Belgrade Set: UFC announced Uros Medic vs Daniel Rodriguez as the Aug. 1 Belgrade main event, and Aleksandar Rakic’s heavyweight move with a bout against Marcin Tybura.

French Open Drama: Novak Djokovic survived a first-round scare, rallying from a set down to beat Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 and reach the second round—then revived his viral “battle dance” and even challenged Aryna Sabalenka to a dance-off. Serbia in Beijing: President Aleksandar Vučić is in China for a state visit, visiting the Great Wall and hinting he could resign “shortly,” while also downplaying Belgrade’s student protests. Airport Privacy Probe: Serbia’s data protection commissioner says Belgrade Airport let border police, customs and intelligence access surveillance footage without proper agreements, leaving personal data “available to an unlimited number of people.” Protests & Pressure: The week’s backdrop remains mass demonstrations in Belgrade demanding elections, with clashes and arrests reported after the rallies. Sports Elsewhere: Air Serbia resumes direct Belgrade–Munich flights after 18 years, and Serbia’s 3x3 World Cup group draw sets a tough path for the men’s team.

Protest Pressure Peaks: Tens of thousands filled central Belgrade on May 23 to demand early elections and an end to corruption tied to the 2024 Novi Sad rail disaster. The “Students win” rally at Slavija Square ended peacefully around 8 p.m., but clashes erupted as masked men attacked police with stones and pyrotechnics; authorities say 23 people were arrested and prosecutors vowed prosecutions. Government Response: President Vučić dismissed the movement’s platform as violent and said it wouldn’t change anything, while also telling reporters he could resign “soon.” Human Rights Alarm: Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner Michael O’Flaherty warned Serbia’s rights situation has deteriorated, citing polarization, weak protection for journalists, and concerns about the ombudsman’s effectiveness. Diplomacy in Motion: As protests simmer, Vučić began a five-day state visit to China, pushing deeper economic ties and criticizing EU “associate membership” ideas as better for Ukraine than Serbia. NATO Signal: Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić said Serbia’s NATO dialogue matters after the first NATO–Serbia joint tactical exercise, stressing military neutrality and cooperation.