AGP Executive Report

Kosovo-Serbia Tensions: Kosovo has banned Serbian minister Snežana Paunović permanently after her remarks about “ethnically cleansing” Kosovo, with EU officials condemning the rhetoric. EU Justice Pressure: The EU is urging Kosovo and Serbia to restore Serbian judges and prosecutors to northern courts, after staffing protests and legal vacancies. Belgrade vs. Croatians: A Serbia-focused rights report alleges authorities targeted Croatian citizens during Serbia’s political crisis, including expulsions tied to activism. Air Safety Shock: A Serbian man on a Ryanair-linked flight from Greece was partially sucked out after a window dislodged; his wife says she grabbed his legs and feared they would die. Sports Media Rules: European Athletics and the EBU rolled out new guidelines to curb sexualised camera angles in women’s athletics broadcasts. Politics at Home: Serbia’s Vučić tells Financial Times he expects to return to power after early general elections. Weather Watch: Serbia braces for hotter days toward the end of the week, with brief storms possible midweek.

Kosovo-Tensions: The EU condemned Serbian minister Snežana Paunović after she said she would have “ethnically cleansed” Kosovo in 1998; Kosovo then banned her as persona non grata, escalating a fresh diplomatic row. US-Serbia Ties: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić says Washington and Belgrade will launch a strategic dialogue, with the first session set for July 17, framing it as a major step toward a strategic partnership. Ryanair Horror (Serbian angle): A Serbian passenger, Ljubiša Karović, was partially sucked out after a window dislodged mid-flight; his wife Svetlana describes clinging to his legs for minutes as he lost consciousness, while Ryanair says the flight returned shortly after takeoff. Serbia Economy: The National Bank of Serbia reports gross FX reserves at 29.6089 bln euros at end-June, down from May, citing market effects and government FX settlements. Culture & Community: Belgrade’s St. Sava festival highlights Serbian food, music and heritage, while local art events like “CityArt in the Alley” invite hands-on creativity.

Aviation Horror in the Balkans: Serbian passenger Ljubiša Karović was partially sucked out after a Ryanair Boeing 737 window was shattered by engine debris over North Macedonia; his wife Svetlana says she grabbed his legs for about five minutes at 20,000ft, repeating “If we die, we die together,” until fellow passengers helped pull him back as oxygen masks dropped. US-Serbia Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić says the US will launch a strategic dialogue with Serbia, with the opening session in Washington set for July 17. EU Enlargement Push: “Super Tuesday” in Brussels advances accession talks for Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine, with multiple negotiating tracks opened or closed in one day. Tech Ambition: Serbia plans to start producing Chinese-backed humanoid robots in Šabac by late August, aiming to position Belgrade as a regional high-tech hub. Culture Spotlight: Serbian artists won top prizes at Germany’s Wine Street Art Festival, including first place in 3D street art.

Courtroom Update (Novi Sad): Serbia’s Appeals Court has cleared the way for a trial in the 2024 Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse, reversing a halt against former transport minister Goran Vesic and others and upholding the indictment. Human Rights & Memory (Srebrenica): Far-right groups marked the Srebrenica genocide anniversary with street and online campaigns denying the killings and praising convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, renewing pressure over Serbia’s refusal to use the term “genocide.” Social Study (Work & Parenting): A UNFPA study says women in Eastern Europe and Central Asia face harsher judgment than men when working full-time with children under three, with Serbia included in the surveyed region. EU Path (Serbia’s Reforms): MEPs warn Serbia’s EU progress depends on real rule-of-law and democratic reforms, citing gaps between laws on paper and implementation. Diplomacy (OSCE): Prime Minister Djuro Macut met OSCE chief Feridun Sinirlioglu to discuss rule of law, electoral reforms, media freedoms, and journalist safety. Aviation (Ryanair): A Serbian passenger was nearly pulled from a broken Ryanair window during a mid-flight emergency, with seatbelt use highlighted as a key factor. Politics (Media Oversight): Independent members of Serbia’s REM steering committee say the state is trying to shift blame after their resignations were voided, arguing the media situation is “catastrophic.”

Wimbledon Wrap: Jannik Sinner defended his Wimbledon men’s title, beating Alexander Zverev in four sets to claim a second straight crown and his fifth Grand Slam. Serbia Politics & Media: REM steering committee independent member Rodoljub Sabic says the state is using legal maneuvers to blame independents after resignations were voided, arguing the media situation is “catastrophic” and calling for a functional REM. Aviation Safety: A Serbian passenger on a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Germany was nearly pulled out after a window dislodged; a pilot notes the seat belt may have been the key detail that saved him. EU & Travel: Germany published its 2026 visa-free list for 62 countries, including Serbia, while Pakistan is not included. Economy Watch: Serbia’s foreign exchange reserves fell to EUR 29.6 billion at end-June, down from May, according to the National Bank of Serbia. Business & Industry: The Chamber of Commerce of Serbia and SIPPO are building a new digital platform, “Sustainable Textile Serbia,” to help local textile firms adapt to new EU rules.

Wimbledon Glory: Jannik Sinner defended his Wimbledon men’s singles title, beating Alexander Zverev 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 to win back-to-back championships and extend his winning streak over the German. Serbia Economy: The National Bank of Serbia reported gross foreign exchange reserves at EUR 29.6 billion at end-June, down from May, with net reserves around EUR 25.1 billion. EU & Business: The Chamber of Commerce of Serbia (CCIS) is building a digital platform, Sustainable Textile Serbia, with Swiss support to help textile firms meet new European rules. Mining Watch: Australian Middle Island Resources says its Bobija project near Ljubovija has connected zones into a large, shallow gold-and-silver system, with boundaries still open. Regional Culture: In Golesh, communities from Serbia, Bulgaria and North Macedonia held a traditional convention celebrating shared heritage and cross-border cooperation. Travel Rules: Germany published its 2026 visa-free list for 62 countries, including Serbia, for short stays up to 90 days.

Aviation Emergency in Greece: A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Germany made an emergency return after a passenger window dislodged mid-flight, reportedly linked to engine debris. A 61-year-old Serbian man, Ljubiša Karović, was partially pulled out and treated for friction burns; his wife held onto his legs for about five minutes until others helped. Church-State Tension: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned a Slovenian court’s suspended sentence for Patriarch Porfirije, calling it an attack on the Serbian Orthodox Church. Srebrenica Justice Push: More than 50 people have been sentenced for Srebrenica crimes, with victims urging continued accountability as many perpetrators still haven’t been prosecuted. EU Accession Pressure: Reports highlight that Serbia’s EU path is being blocked or delayed over rule-of-law concerns and refusal to align with sanctions against Russia. Belgrade’s Srebrenica Anniversary: Serbia marked the genocide anniversary amid incidents and rising denial, with public tensions continuing. Serbia in the Octagon: UFC’s 2026 schedule includes two Fight Nights in Belgrade (Aug. 1 and Aug. 8).

Srebrenica Anniversary: Belgrade marked the 11 July genocide commemoration amid incidents and rising denial, as debate over legal classification of the 1995 killings remains heated. Church-State Clash: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned a Slovenian court’s suspended prison sentence for Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije, calling it an attack on the church. Aviation Shock: A Serbian passenger, Ljubiša Karović, was partially sucked through a dislodged Ryanair Boeing 737 window after an engine fragment hit the cabin; the flight returned to Thessaloniki and his injuries were not life-threatening. Football Transfers: Jens Hjerto-Dahl says he’s ready to wait for a Rangers move after Tromsø rejected bids, with reports linking him to Besiktas and a possible £5.3m offer. Diplomacy: Russia’s MFA complained Serbia didn’t respond to anti-Russian attacks by Ukraine’s parliament speaker at a Belgrade conference. Culture & Society: Wimbledon’s Djokovic-Sinner fallout continues to dominate sports talk, while Serbia-linked international items also ranged from film awards to community events.

Aviation Emergency in Greece: A Ryanair Boeing 737 from Thessaloniki to Germany made an emergency return after a cabin window dislodged mid-flight, causing decompression. A 61-year-old Serbian passenger was partially sucked out; his wife and other travellers held him in until he was pulled back inside. He was taken to AHEPA University Hospital in Thessaloniki with injuries reported as not life-threatening. EU & Rule-of-Law Pressure: Serbia’s EU path remains under scrutiny as MEPs and EU officials push for rule-of-law reforms, with reports that Serbia’s next accession cluster talks face resistance from some capitals. Diplomacy: Marko Đurić met Hungary’s FM Anita Orbán in Rome, stressing close Serbia–Hungary cooperation and Hungary’s support for Serbia’s EU integration. Sports (Serbian spotlight): Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon run ended in the semifinals with a straight-sets loss to Jannik Sinner; Djokovic said he hopes to return “at least one more time.” Grassroots Sport: ISSO, ISF Academy and FIBA wrapped a three-city PE educators upskill programme in India led by Serbian coach Veselin Matic.

Wimbledon Shock: Novak Djokovic’s run ended with a straight-sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 loss to Jannik Sinner, but the Serbian says he’d like to return “at least one more time.” EU Rule-of-Law Pressure: MEPs warn Serbia’s EU path is stalled, citing weak reform implementation, rule-of-law concerns, and misalignment with EU foreign policy. Diplomacy in Rome: Marko Đurić met Hungary’s Anita Orbán, stressing continued cooperation and pushing for Cluster 3 to open, calling reforms a “quantum leap” in legislation. Aviation Emergency: A Ryanair Boeing 737 from Thessaloniki to Germany returned after a cabin window dislodged mid-flight; a 61-year-old Serbian passenger was injured after being pulled back in by fellow travelers and his wife. Books Returned: Serbia’s Customs ordered the return of seized Bulgarian books from journalist Aleksandar Dimitrov, ending a three-year dispute and awarding legal costs. Fuel Prices: Serbia’s finance ministry says fuel excise taxes will be reduced Monday to support price stability and curb inflation.

Serbia’s Economy Watch: A new analysis points to Serbia’s economic rise as a mix of political stability, smart development policy, infrastructure investment, foreign investment pull, fiscal discipline and a long-term vision—highlighting wage growth that pushed average net pay from 366 euros (2012) to 1,036 euros by March 2026. Monetary Policy: The National Bank of Serbia kept the key rate unchanged at 5.75%, citing inflation within target but warning global geopolitical and commodity risks could keep pressure around late 2026/early 2027. Diplomacy & Community: Serbia held bilateral political consultations with Romania in Bucharest, stressing cooperation in economy, infrastructure, energy and culture, and focusing on the Serbian community in Romania and Romania’s minority in Serbia. Cybersecurity Ties: Azerbaijan and Serbia met in Baku to expand military cybersecurity cooperation, including protection of critical infrastructure and joint training. Regional Energy: Serbia is among operators discussing the expanded Vertical Corridor gas project, as Greece-to-Central Europe talks add Slovakia and Hungary for the first time. Human Stories: UNFPA data says young people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia still want marriage and children, but financial barriers are delaying parenthood. Travel Safety: Reports say a 61-year-old Serbian man was restrained after a Ryanair window shattered on a Thessaloniki-to-Germany flight, forcing an emergency return. Sport Spotlight: Djokovic and Sinner meet in a Wimbledon semi-final expected around 3:30 p.m. BST, with Serbia’s Arena Sport carrying coverage.

EU Accession Standoff: President Aleksandar Vučić thanked EU leaders after Serbia secured support to open Cluster 3, as multiple member states still block progress over rule-of-law concerns. Border & Security: Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dacic welcomed the opening of a second section of the Gradina–Kalotina checkpoint with Bulgaria, aiming to ease summer travel while cracking down on cross-border crime. Diplomacy: PM Djuro Macut met Mexico’s ambassador on trade and cooperation, while Marko Đurić held talks with China’s ambassador on investments, AI and Kosovo-Metohija; Serbia also continued consultations with ministers on reforms and the Judicial Academy. Economy & Energy: The National Bank of Serbia kept the key policy rate at 5.75%, and Serbia launched the second phase of biomass district heating (31.9m euros) to expand clean heat in multiple cities. Local Tourism & Industry: The “Villages of Serbia” rural tourism platform went live, and Serbia’s berry sector pushes into fresh markets with modern genetics. Sports: Wimbledon semi-final focus: Novak Djokovic faces Jannik Sinner after Sinner reportedly avoided training alongside him; Serbia’s Nikola Kusturica signed with UCLA.

Belgrade–Beijing Ties: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met China’s ambassador Li Ming to push new cooperation in economy, defense, science, innovation and AI, while also raising Kosovo-Metohija and the need to protect Serbian religious and cultural heritage. Monetary Policy Watch: The National Bank of Serbia kept the key policy rate at 5.75%, citing inflation around the target band and risks from the international environment. Rural Tourism Boost: The “Villages of Serbia” digital platform was launched to help local tourism groups promote rural destinations, guides and producers. Renewables in Focus: Homolje’s Gornjak wind farm draft plan is now out for public review, with up to 34 turbines planned by a Turkish-owned investor. EU Accession Pressure: The European Parliament adopted its annual Serbia progress report, warning reforms and rule-of-law implementation remain stalled. Elections Timeline: Vučić says parliamentary elections are likely before a presidential vote, with timing set for August/September and voting possible in October/November. Sports—Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic’s next match is the Wimbledon semi-final vs Jannik Sinner on July 10, with live coverage on BBC.

EU Accession Watch: The European Parliament adopted its annual report on Serbia’s EU progress, warning that reforms are stalling due to weak rule-of-law implementation, gaps between laws and results, and concerns over judiciary independence, media freedom, corruption and organized crime; it also flags Serbia’s ties with Russia and deeper security cooperation with China, and says EU funding should reflect the lack of measurable progress. Belgrade–Pristina: Serbian PM Djuro Macut hosted ambassadors of countries that do not recognize “Kosovo,” urging pressure on Pristina to fulfil the Community of Serb Municipalities obligation under the Brussels Agreement, while insisting dialogue continues but Serbia won’t give up on Kosovo-Metohija. EU Talks Blocked: Eight EU member states opposed opening Serbia’s next accession cluster (Cluster 3) over rule-of-law concerns, while supporters argue Serbia has made enough steps to justify moving ahead. Sports & Society: Novak Djokovic reached the Wimbledon semi-finals after an epic five-set quarter-final, setting up a blockbuster clash with Jannik Sinner; meanwhile, racist commentary around World Cup coverage drew renewed scrutiny. Local Development: Belgrade city council moved to annex 40 acres south of the city, paving the way for about 230 homes and apartments, with a public hearing set for July 20.

Wimbledon Focus: Novak Djokovic set up a blockbuster semi-final with Jannik Sinner after surviving a five-hour, 15-minute, record-long quarter-final vs Felix Auger-Aliassime, winning a fifth-set tiebreak to keep his 25th Grand Slam bid alive. EU Accession & Rule of Law: Brussels’ push to open Serbia’s Cluster 3 stalled as member states failed to back the move, with the Netherlands among those raising concerns over democracy, judicial independence and ties to Russia. Belgrade Public Finances: The IMF’s final opinion on the City of Belgrade’s public finances is due by early September, after reviewing an external audit report, with debts, transit supplier payments, ticket fee waivers and corruption flagged. Local Governance & Transport: Serbia’s capital is also in the spotlight over public transit finances, while Belgrade city transport issues continue to draw attention from watchdogs. Media Freedom: Journalists from Montenegro face entry bans into Serbia, prompting calls from regional media groups to reverse the decisions. Business & Trade: Serbia-UK trade rules improve as amendments to Protocol 3 enter into force, allowing extended cumulation of origin for exporters. Industry: Malbex Carbon says its graphite electrode factory in Merosina is completed, with production planned for September.

Wimbledon Drama: Novak Djokovic survived a five-set thriller with Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach the semi-finals, but his match was also marked by a furious clash with officials over closing the Centre Court roof early. Belgrade–Rome Ties: Serbian PM Djuro Macut held talks with key ministers on speeding up reforms and EU steps, while Serbia’s Vucic met US spiritual adviser Mark Burns to discuss Kosovo-Metohija and protecting Serbian holy sites. EU Accession Reality Check: Vucic said Serbia shouldn’t expect major EU enlargement soon, even as EU candidate countries debate whether to open Cluster 3. Kosovo Accountability: Kosovo’s Ombudsperson launched an investigation into claims of police mistreatment of Serbs arrested at Gazimestan during Vidovdan celebrations. Business & Tech: Serbia will host the ITU AI for Good Impact Europe summit next May during EXPO 2027 in Belgrade. Sports Development: ISSO, ISF Academy and ITTF launched an ITTF Level 1 coach education programme in Noida to boost grassroots table tennis. Media Pressure: The Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation reported 980 verbal attacks on journalists in the first half of the year, with many in June.