AGP Executive Report

Snap Election Push: Serbia’s government backed a proposal to dissolve parliament and call early elections, with PM Đuro Macut citing improved election conditions and ODIHR recommendations, setting up President Vučić’s decision within 72 hours. Mladic Funeral Fallout: Thousands filled Belgrade for the burial of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, led by Patriarch Porfirije and marked by military honours, Serbian flags and large crowds—sparking EU condemnation over “glorification” and prompting officials and media to weigh in on how Serbia handles its past. Regional Echoes: Reports from Republika Srpska show many still call Mladić a defender and hero, while international criticism continues to grow. EU-Accession Pressure: The funeral controversy is again framed as a test for Serbia’s EU path, with Brussels warning that such honours and revisionism clash with European values. Diplomacy & Business: PM Macut met France’s development agency chief and discussed infrastructure and EXPO 2027 cooperation. Transport Connectivity: Nemanja Starović met Transport Community’s new director to push rail/road upgrades and safer border crossings. UN Map Debate: The UN backed “Equal Earth” style fairer world maps, with Serbia among those abstaining on the resolution’s push to stop making Africa look smaller.

UN Cartography Push: The UN General Assembly adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution promoting equal-area projections like Equal Earth, with 164 countries voting in favour and the US the only no; Serbia abstained, while the vote targets the Mercator distortion that makes Africa look smaller. EU Rights Pressure: An EU Greens MEP called Serbia’s spyware spying on students and opposition “a criminal attack on democracy,” urging clear EU action. Belgrade Pride: Thousands marched in Belgrade for the 25th anniversary of Pride, with embassies and EU officials attending, amid warnings of threats and unmet demands. Mladic Commemoration Fallout: Supporters marked Ratko Mladić during the “eternal derby,” while Serbia’s state funeral plans continue to trigger EU criticism. Sports & Culture: Red Star/Partizan fans paid tribute; Serbia also saw cultural exchange with a Greek wedding tradition in Leskovac, and volleyball news placed Serbia third at EuroVolley behind Turkey and Italy. Regional Mobility: Hungary approved a full reconstruction of the Hercegszántó–Bački Breg border crossing to ease heavy-lorry queues and enable 24/7 freight traffic to Serbia.

Serbian Politics: The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) has unanimously named President Aleksandar Vučić as its candidate for prime minister, with the party launching the “Aleksandar Vučić – United Serbia” ticket and promising rallies in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš and Kragujevac. War Crimes Fallout: In Belgrade, memorial events for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić continued ahead of his burial, drawing fresh EU backlash and prompting an EU enlargement commissioner to cancel a Serbia visit over alleged “glorification.” Diplomacy & Travel: Saudi Arabia and Serbia signed a visa-waiver deal for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports, easing short-stay travel for official travel. Regional Spotlight: Sarajevo Canton reported an 8% jump in August tourist arrivals, with international visitors up 14%, and Serbia listed among key source markets. Global Context: The UN General Assembly backed a new “Correct the Map” push for equal-area world maps, with Serbia among the abstainers.

Election Watch: Serbia’s ruling SNS unanimously backed President Aleksandar Vučić as its lead candidate for prime minister, with snap parliamentary elections expected soon and Vučić saying he’ll step down as president after state duties. EU Pressure: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit, saying public “glorification” of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić is incompatible with EU values. Mladic Funeral Fallout: A Belgrade commemoration for Mladić drew hundreds, with his body returned on a government plane and burial set for Sept. 7, as regional condemnation grows. UN World Map Fight: The UN General Assembly endorsed the “Correct the Map” resolution promoting Equal Earth equal-area maps; the US voted against, while Serbia abstained—sparking debate over how Africa is represented. Sports: Türkiye won double gold at the Mediterranean Games, while Hearts of Oak begin their Ghana Premier League title push against Berekum Chelsea. Cyber/Ads: A Belgrade-led study reports recurrent neural networks tuned with metaheuristics can detect click fraud with reported accuracy of 0.786 on real ad data.

UN Map Overhaul: The UN General Assembly backed a Togo-led push to encourage more accurate world maps, with 164 countries voting for and the US voting against. The resolution urges governments, schools and tech firms to consider equal-area projections like Equal Earth, which shows Africa at its true scale instead of the Mercator projection’s distortions; France Joins In: France’s foreign minister said Paris will stop using Mercator in diplomacy and switch to a more proportionate projection; Serbia’s EU Pressure: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a planned Serbia visit, saying any public glorification of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić is incompatible with EU values; Mladic Commemoration: A Belgrade memorial for Mladić drew officials and supporters ahead of his burial, while condemnation continues across the Balkans; Serbia Politics: Serbia’s ruling SNS formally proposed Aleksandar Vučić as prime minister candidate if the snap election is won, with the vote expected around Oct. 25; Diplomacy: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to visit Serbia on Sept. 7-8 for talks and a business forum; Trade Spotlight: Serbia’s first batch of exhibits arrived in Xiamen for China’s CIFIT investment and trade fair.

EU Accession Under Pressure: Enlargement chief Marta Kos cancelled her planned Serbia visit after what she called the “glorification” of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, whose body arrived in Belgrade on a government plane ahead of a Monday burial; Serbia’s leadership hit back, calling her explanation “stupid,” while the EU warns state honours could clash with European values. Spyware and Elections: A group of 29 European Parliament members urged the EU to slow Serbia’s accession over alleged Pegasus and NoviSpy targeting of student activists and opposition ahead of October elections, demanding rule-of-law steps before any further progress. Regional Energy Deal: Greece and Balkan partners signed an MoU to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor to North Macedonia and Serbia, aiming to strengthen cross-border energy security and north-south gas flows. Energy Prices Watch: Rising oil and gas prices are feeding into European inflation pressures, with gas storage levels reported at their lowest for the season in years. UN Cartography: The UN General Assembly endorsed a new map approach to better reflect Africa’s size, with Serbia among the abstentions and the US the only “no” vote. Sports Spotlight: Serbia’s women’s volleyball team advanced in EuroVolley, keeping continental World Cup and Olympic qualification hopes alive.

EU Accession Test: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos canceled a planned Serbia visit after Belgrade flew Ratko Mladić’s body in on a government plane and prepared a funeral with military/state honours, warning that any “glorification” of the convicted “Butcher of Bosnia” is incompatible with EU values and could affect Serbia’s membership path. War Crimes Fallout: Mladić’s remains arrived in Belgrade with Serbian flag-draped coffin and army honours; Serbia says it will ensure a “peaceful” funeral, while EU and other European officials say the reception and honours are disrespectful to victims. Kosovo Case: Kosovo prosecutors filed an indictment against 35 suspects over the 1998 Jashari compound killings, naming senior Serbian security and interior figures. Spyware Crackdown: EU officials reacted to forensically verified Pegasus targeting of Serbian student activists, while Serbia’s authorities deny wrongdoing; digital rights groups say more than a dozen people were hit in the run-up to elections. Energy & Trade: Serbia seeks a long-term extension of its gas deal with Russia, while Serbia and Azerbaijan advance a Nis power-plant project and Serbia joins the Vertical Corridor gas pipeline push with North Macedonia. Culture & Sport: Serbia’s EXPO 2027 ties deepen with Slovenia’s participation contract signed in Belgrade; Serbia also qualifies for World Cup 2027 in volleyball after EuroVolley results.

War Crimes & Diplomacy: Ratko Mladić’s body was flown to Serbia on a government plane and received with military honours in Belgrade, as Serbia prepares a public viewing and Monday funeral—drawing EU criticism over “glorification of war criminals.” Local Politics: President Aleksandar Vučić cancelled a ruling party rally in Novi Sad, citing safety after protests and clashes with police. Spyware & Elections: Serbian student and opposition figures say they were hit by advanced spyware, including Pegasus and NoviSpy, with Apple threat warnings reported ahead of the October election. Foreign Policy: Marko Đurić met Guinea-Bissau and Ghana officials during the NAM 65th anniversary events in Belgrade, focusing on sovereignty and expanding economic ties. Energy Deal: Serbia, EPS/Srbija-gas and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR agreed on a joint venture for a new gas-fired power plant near Niš. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists uncovered a remarkably preserved Late Roman private bath inside a fortified palace tower at Vrelo–Šarkamen.

Spyware Row: Serbia’s BIA dismissed claims that students and opposition figures were targeted by advanced spyware ahead of March local elections, calling them “trivial sensationalism,” as rights groups and Citizen Lab say Pegasus infections were confirmed in at least one case. Digital Safety: UNICEF estimates about 20 million internet-using children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced online sexual abuse or exploitation in a year, with nearly 60% of cases linked to social media. Elections Watch: Serbia is expected to hold a snap parliamentary election on October 25, with critics pointing to the electoral roll and governance failures since 2012. Kosovo Dialogue: Petar Petkovic said Pristina’s refusal to form the Community of Serb Municipalities is not a matter of will but of respecting signed agreements. Energy Deal: Serbia, Azerbaijan and state firms EPS/Srbija-gas completed talks on a joint venture for a new up-to-500MW gas-fired power plant. Environment & Fire: EU firefighting support to Serbia was extended after wildfires threatened areas including the Deliblato Sands reserve, while NGOs warn planning-law changes could enable construction on burned forest land.

Snap Elections: Serbia is expected to hold early parliamentary elections on October 25, after President Vučić moves to dissolve parliament in the coming days. Protest Accountability: Thousands marked 22 months since the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse, renewing demands for truth and responsibility. Spy Scandal: Serbian activists and opposition figures say their phones were hit by advanced spyware (Pegasus and NoviSpy-linked malware), with authorities denying state involvement. Local Life & Economy: Belgrade plans a new 4-acre downtown public parking lot on leased BNSF Railway property to ease chronic parking pressure. Croatian Community Support: Croatia awarded €2 million to agricultural holdings across Serbia for Croats, aiming to boost farm investment and community stability. Youth Safety Online: UNICEF estimates about 20 million internet-using children in 21 countries faced online sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with Serbia included in the surveyed data. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia’s top diplomats met counterparts from Guinea-Bissau and Ghana during the Non-Aligned Movement anniversary in Belgrade.

Spyware and Elections: SHARE says at least 14 people in Serbia’s civil society were targeted with mercenary spyware ahead of March local elections, including students and opposition figures, with infections linked to Pegasus and malware similar to NoviSpy. Business Finance: The EBRD extended a €25m-equivalent revolving factoring facility in Serbian dinars to UniCredit Serbia, aiming to boost working-capital access for local firms. Non-Aligned Movement Diplomacy: Serbia hosted the 65th NAM anniversary in Belgrade, with leaders including Ghana’s Mahama pushing for a “Accra Reset” focused on resource sovereignty and fairer development finance, while Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut and foreign ministers met partners such as Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau and Ghana. Local Accountability Protests: Thousands marched in Belgrade and Novi Sad demanding justice for the Novi Sad railway station canopy tragedy, with students vowing to keep 16-minute silences until accountability is delivered. Environment and Planning: NGOs Transparency Serbia and RERI criticized amendments that could allow construction on forest land damaged by wildfires, warning it weakens protections for burned areas. Housing Pressure in Belgrade: A report highlights how renting can consume over 60% of average salaries, while construction booms without solving affordability. Media Pluralism Watch: NUNS warns about public trust and reach risks as Serbia’s media landscape faces pre-election pressure.

Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade: Serbia is hosting the 65th anniversary of the first NAM summit, with President Aleksandar Vučić calling it the “strongest bastion of multilateralism,” while leaders including Ghana’s John Dramani Mahama pushed for moving from declarations to action on climate finance, digital inequality, and fairer trade. Diplomacy on the sidelines: Serbian officials met counterparts from Nepal, Egypt, and Azerbaijan, stressing NAM principles and expanding cooperation; Serbia also offered condolences to Nepal after the recent disaster and highlighted student exchange via the “World in Serbia” scholarship. EU pressure over Mladic funeral: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos warned Serbia that glorifying war criminals has no place in EU or candidate countries, after Croatia’s PM said a state funeral for Ratko Mladić would hurt Serbia’s EU path. Finance update: The National Bank of Serbia says Euroclear Bank has joined its RTGS and securities settlement systems, aiming to improve access for foreign investors to dinar government bonds. Culture spotlight: Niš hosted the premiere of Serbian director Vasilije Nikitović’s film “Motka,” while Montenegro’s Film Rendezvous expanded to seven days with international project development. Sports & society: Djokovic’s US Open first-round exit and health struggles dominated tennis talk, and Belgrade also saw NAM-linked international attendance and events.

EU Accession & War Crimes: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos warned Serbia not to grant state or military honours for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, saying glorification has no place in EU or candidate countries. Diplomacy in Belgrade (NAM 65): Serbia hosted the 65th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement, with PM Djuro Macut stressing dialogue and respect for international law, while President Aleksandar Vučić said NAM leaders had the courage to build a path of independence and cooperation. Global South Push: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ghana’s John Mahama used the summit to call for stronger NAM coordination and moving from declarations to action on sovereignty, peace, development and climate. Human Rights Update: Serbia will issue biometric ID cards to refugees granted asylum, but the Asylum Protection Center says this does not automatically mean citizenship or voting rights. Culture & Society: A Balkan music night in Greece’s Halkidiki featured Marko Marković Orkestar, highlighting Serbia-Greece cultural ties.

US Open Shock for Serbia: Novak Djokovic was knocked out in the first round for the first time in 20 years, losing a five-set marathon to Mariano Navone after struggling with illness and cramps. Robotics & Industry: Serbia opened Europe’s mass-production push for humanoid robots in Šabac and signed a framework deal with China’s Reliance Energy Tech for a battery plant in Indjija—both aimed at building local supply chains. Non-Aligned Movement Diplomacy: Serbian officials met counterparts from Indonesia, Cuba, India and Mali in Belgrade ahead of the 65th anniversary commemorations, with repeated emphasis on sovereignty and Expo 2027 participation. EU Border Tensions: Western Balkans truck drivers protested Schengen stay limits and warned of new blockades from September 14 unless rules are adjusted. Environment Watch: Tests near mines in Bosilegrad found elevated ammonium ions and heavy metals, raising fresh pollution concerns. Culture in Focus: FEST announced Lordan Zafranović’s Golden Cut 42 (Children of Kozara) will open the festival on October 2 in Belgrade.

EU Accession & War Crimes: Brussels warned Serbia that honoring or glorifying war criminals like Ratko Mladić has “no place” in the EU, after Belgrade moved toward a state funeral with full honors. Diplomacy (NAM): Serbia is hosting the 65th Non-Aligned Movement anniversary in Belgrade, with India’s Kiren Rijiju, Mali’s Abdoulaye Diop, and Azerbaijan’s Sahiba Gafarova among visiting officials. US-Serbia Pressure: A new US bill (SRBIJA Act) would open the door to sanctions and visa restrictions over Serbia’s ties with Russia, China and Iran. Local Politics (Kosovo/Serbia ties): Kosovo PM Albin Kurti says Serbian institutions blocked over EUR 2.14 million earmarked for Albanian communities in southern Serbia. Tech & Industry: Serbia launched mass production of Chinese-designed humanoid robots in Šabac, aiming for thousands of units annually. Economy: Parliament adopted a revised 2026 state budget, raising revenue and spending projections. Public Life: Belgrade Pride Week begins, with a Pride March set for Sept. 5. Sports: Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the US Open in the first round by Mariano Navone after a brutal five-set match marked by illness and tears. Security: Serbia says it freed two Afghan and three Turkish nationals from kidnappers in Belgrade. Disaster Watch: Nepal-Tibet floods: at least 4,793 missing and 919 dead reported.

Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade: Indian minister Kiren Rijiju toured the Museum of Yugoslavia and Tito’s House of Flowers ahead of the NAM 65th anniversary meeting on Aug. 31–Sept. 1. EU support for Serbia’s wildfires: The European Commission extended wildfire-fighting help, keeping helicopters and ground teams in Serbia until Sept. 5. Robotics push: Serbia opened Europe’s first mass-production base for humanoid robots in Šabac, aiming for up to 20,000 units a year, with further investment planned in Inđija. Drought hits fish and farms: Extreme heat and low Danube levels are leaving fish in shrinking ponds, with wider damage to the regional fish sector and ecosystems. US sanctions update for NIS: OFAC extended NIS’s operating license until Sept. 30, citing progress on complex ownership talks. EU warns over Mladic funeral: EU rapporteur Tonino Picula said any Serbian officials attending Ratko Mladić’s funeral would send a serious political signal. Regional tensions over symbols: A Serbian influencer was detained in Split over Chetnik tattoos and faces deportation and a five-year Croatia entry ban. Sports spotlight: Kim Ye-gun made his Red Star Belgrade debut, while Serbia’s Loznica Grad 2018 will face Athletic Futsal in the UEFA Futsal Champions League.