AGP Executive Report

Serbia–China Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić wrapped up a high-profile state visit to Beijing, touring robotics and innovation sites and receiving China’s Friendship Medal from Xi Jinping, while Serbia’s side says new investment plans could reach hundreds of millions of euros and more than 20 cooperation documents were signed. Central Banking & Trade Finance: The National Bank of Serbia and the People’s Bank of China expanded their yuan–dinars swap to 5 billion yuan for five years, aiming to boost trade, investment, and settlement in local currency. Transport & Infrastructure: The government adopted a guarantee for a Deutsche Bank-backed credit to finance 30 new electric trains for Srbijavoz (EUR 263.9m), while Nikola Tesla Airport is set to add new gates, air bridges, and a new Air Serbia headquarters. Road Toll Enforcement: From July 1, category 4 trucks that don’t pay tolls electronically via TAG devices face fines, with a transitional push for compliance. Energy & Renewables: RES Serbia urged changes to energy regulation after grid-connection studies for wind and solar were delayed until late 2029, and EPS again suspended a solar supervision tender after bids failed requirements. Kosovo North Tensions: Kosovo authorities seized Serbian Railways infrastructure and hoisted flags in the north ahead of June 7 elections, escalating Belgrade–Pristina friction. Public Oversight on Migration Detention: A regional network meeting backed detention only as a last resort, calling for humane alternatives and stronger legal safeguards.

Serbia–China Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić wrapped up a five-day state visit to China, praising Xi Jinping’s “ironclad friendship” and the Friendship Medal, while signaling new Chinese investments “worth hundreds of millions of euros” and pushing Serbia’s robotics push as a jobs-safe modernization path. Central Banking & Finance: 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 boosting trade, direct investment, and financial stability. EU Integration & Regional Politics: Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić met Spanish officials in Madrid, saying ties with Spain are improving and asking for continued support for Serbia’s EU path. EU-Western Balkans Agenda: European Council President António Costa will tour the region next week (1–5 June), including meetings in Belgrade, as enlargement and security remain on the agenda. Kosovo-Metohija: Pristina authorities, with “Kosovo police” involvement, raided Serbian Railways buildings in northern Kosovo-Metohija and replaced Cyrillic signage ahead of June 7 early elections. Domestic Opposition Pressure: A political analyst says only a “catch-all” ticket can beat Vučić, while opposition figures warn the government is delaying a no-confidence debate unless elections are called. Security Focus (US): Two US lawmakers visited Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo amid Russia-related security concerns and questions about NATO and KFOR support.

Serbia-China Diplomacy: President Vučić’s state visit to China continues with high-level meetings and fresh cooperation pledges, including new investment deals and a push toward advanced manufacturing and humanoid robots. Infrastructure & Industry: China-linked projects are framed as fast-track development—motorway and rail expansion promises, plus industrial upgrades tied to major firms. EU Relations in the Region: Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik warns of a possible referendum over EU integration after Brussels’ actions regarding Bosnia’s High Representative. Organised Crime & Migration: Spanish National Police, with Europol and Serbian partners, dismantled a network smuggling Cuban nationals into Spain via Belgrade and the Western Balkans; at least 40 people were allegedly helped for about €3,000 each, with eight arrests and more possible. Local Governance: Belgrade announced a long-awaited tender for reconstructing the Kalenic market, worth about €20.1 million. Finance & Banking: Reports say Raiffeisen Bank International is edging closer to taking over Addiko Bank, with Serbia and the region in the deal’s reshaped operations. Tech & Education: Serbian students showcased autonomous landing and cargo delivery concepts using machine vision in new aerospace projects.

Media Funding Watch: ANEM says 45 Serbian local governments have already handed out over RSD556 million for 2026 media projects, while Surdulica, Vrbac and Gadžin Han missed the March 1 deadline. Foreign Policy & Security: FM Marko Djuric told the UN Security Council Serbia will back the UN Charter as the core of international order, warning against selective application. China Deal-Making: In Beijing, President Vučić’s visit produced 23 cooperation documents and a Friendship Medal, with new pledges on AI, robotics and EVs; he also toured Xiaomi’s auto factory and Tsinghua. Energy Cooperation: Jovana Joksimović met US congressional experts, stressing US ties can boost Serbia’s energy security and gas interconnector plans. Environment & Accountability: Coalition 27 says Serbia’s draft Environment Protection Program lacks ambition, clear implementation tools and biodiversity targets. Corporate & Rule-of-Law Pressure: A London legal fight is underway to block United Group’s media sale, with press-freedom groups warning it could end Serbia’s last independent outlets. Public Safety: RFE/RL reports Linglong Tire got permits for risky chemical sections in Zrenjanin despite missing approvals for major-accident protection. Civil Society & Protests: A week after mass anti-government rallies, reporting highlights how the government’s China package arrived amid ongoing election demands.

Vučić’s China trip and domestic pressure: As Aleksandar Vučić tours Beijing—Tsinghua, the Communist Party museum and a Xiaomi auto plant—opposition parties accuse him of “servitude” to the CCP and of trading Serbia’s resources for support, while the government keeps the focus on “ironclad” ties and future investment. Elections question: The big political storyline remains his hint that he could resign within 90 days, raising fresh speculation about how snap parliamentary and presidential votes might be timed. Bosnia power reshuffle: In BiH, Republika Srpska lawmakers back a move to abolish the High Representative’s office, as the PIC Steering Board prepares to pick Schmidt’s successor after his resignation. EU and security: Serbia’s EU path continues with a public hearing on a draft law aligning credit institutions with EU rules, while Eurojust coordinates action against illegal waste trading involving a network operating across Europe including Serbia. Business and tech: Serbia pushes ahead on cybersecurity training for NIS2 experts and on new cooperation with the UAE on family and child protection.

Belfast EU Funding Row: Belfast City Hall turns political as the DUP attacks the SDLP over a push to tap “pre-accession assistance” money, with 12 councillors backing the plan and only the DUP voting no—now heading to full council ratification. China-Serbia Diplomacy: In Beijing, President Aleksandar Vučić’s China visit is framed as “ironclad friendship” after Xi held back-to-back talks, witnessed 23 signed cooperation documents, and awarded Vučić a friendship medal—while critics at home call it “servitude” and warn of resource sell-offs. Protests & Democracy Pressure: A new BIRODI poll says Serbia’s crisis is seen as one of democracy, institutions and trust, with free elections and rule of law topping public priorities. Media Under Strain: Universities and journalism both face mounting political pressure, with Belgrade academics warning autonomy is being tested. Minorities in the Preševo Valley: US lawmakers visit Preshevo to press minority-rights concerns, including education and address “passivization.” Business Fight: United Group shareholders Šolak and Boklag launch legal action to block the sale of United Media, alleging breach of shareholders’ consent rights.

China-Serbia Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić’s China trip is in full swing in Beijing, with Xi Jinping awarding him China’s Friendship Medal and both leaders pushing an “ironclad” agenda of transport, energy, tech and people-to-people ties, plus a fresh batch of cooperation documents. Domestic Politics: Vučić also renewed talk about resigning, while rejecting claims that Saturday’s Belgrade protest drew 300,000 people—saying the message mattered more than the turnout. EU Enlargement Tension: Across Europe, the Ukraine debate is heating up again after Merz’s “associate membership” idea, with Slovakia’s Fico saying any move must come with steps toward peace and that Serbia and others should be admitted first. Regional Security: Bulgaria is moving personnel and equipment for the Strike Back 26 live-fire exercise, with NATO-linked units and Serbia’s recent participation in a joint drill noted. Culture & Media: Rainmaker Productions says it will film back-to-back Serbian-language seasons of “The Traitors,” a first for the territory.

Belgrade Protest Fallout: President Aleksandar Vučić rejected claims that Saturday’s rally drew 300,000, saying the real concern was the messages—not the turnout—while also insisting he won’t cut his term and could resign only if the Constitution requires it. Protests & Policing: The weekend saw violent clashes after the mass anti-government gathering, with arrests reported and police facing attacks as demonstrators demanded early elections. Beijing Pivot: While protests simmer at home, Vučić is in China for a state visit, where Xi Jinping and he staged a major signing ceremony—more than 20 deals—plus Xi’s top “Order of Friendship” for Vučić, cementing the “ironclad friendship.” EU Pressure: Vučić also hit back at Brussels, accusing the EU of “rule by email” over Serbia’s foreign-policy choices. Regional Context: The US signaled a shift from “nation-building” to economic engagement in the Western Balkans, spotlighting Corridor 8. Local News: A tram derailment in central Belgrade injured at least 10 people, with an investigation launched.

China-Serbia Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić is in Beijing for a state visit, visiting the Great Wall and telling journalists he may resign “soon,” while also arguing that Western Balkans EU “associate membership” ideas would suit Ukraine more than Serbia. Protest Pressure: His comments come as Belgrade’s anti-government demonstrations over the Novi Sad rail disaster continue to reverberate—tens of thousands rallied for early elections, with clashes after the main rally and 23 arrests reported. Rights Watch: The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner says Serbia’s rights situation has deteriorated, citing polarization, journalist safety concerns, and weak institutional protection. Data Privacy Row: Serbia’s personal data protection commissioner says Belgrade Airport let border police and intelligence access surveillance footage without proper agreements, calling the access “unlimited.” Energy Deal: MOL has been granted two more weeks to finish talks over the Russian stake in NIS, with the US deadline extended.

Belgrade Protest Fallout: Tens of thousands filled Slavija Square on Saturday demanding early elections and an end to Aleksandar Vučić’s rule, but the night turned ugly as police fired tear gas and stun grenades and clashes spread near the presidency and around Pionirski Park; Interior Minister Ivica Dačić says 23 people were arrested. Student Movement Pressure: Students and supporters kept the focus on “Students win,” linking the push for elections to last year’s Novi Sad rail disaster that killed 16 and sparked a wider anti-corruption revolt. Vučić in Beijing: While protests rocked home, Vučić was in China for a five-day state visit, dismissing EU enlargement ideas as “better for Ukraine than Serbia” and insisting Serbia has “no problem with demonstrations.” Human Rights Warning: The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner says Serbia’s rights situation has deteriorated, citing polarization, attacks on journalists, and weak protection mechanisms. Regional Ripples: An Albanian political row in North Macedonia over a pro-Vučić rally shows the “Serbian influence” debate is heating up beyond Serbia’s borders.

Belgrade Protest Crackdown: Student-led anti-government rallies in Belgrade turned violent as police fired tear gas and stun grenades, with clashes near Slavija Square and the presidential area ending with 23 arrests and widespread damage. Student Movement: The protests, sparked by the 2024 Novi Sad rail-station canopy disaster that killed 16, are again demanding early elections and an end to President Aleksandar Vučić’s rule, under the “Students win” slogan. Government Response: Interior Minister Ivica Dačić blamed the “most extreme” demonstrators and said officers were injured, while Vučić—now abroad—insisted the unrest was planned in advance. China Diplomacy: Amid the unrest, Vučić began a five-day state visit to Beijing, with talks expected with Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as Serbia’s ties with China remain a key political and economic pillar.

Belgrade Election Pressure: Tens of thousands filled Slavija Square on Saturday demanding early parliamentary elections and an end to Aleksandar Vučić’s rule, sparked by the 2024 Novi Sad rail disaster. The rally stayed mostly peaceful—until scattered groups broke away and clashes erupted with riot police, with flares, rocks and bottles thrown and tear gas used; prosecutors said attackers on police would be identified. Protest Fallout: Serbia’s student movement kept momentum even after Vučić floated elections for late September–mid November, while authorities also suspended rail services nationwide ahead of the protest. Kosovo Watch: The US said it is monitoring Kosovo’s push for a gendarmerie force, stressing commitments and coordination with KFOR. Regional Diplomacy: Vučić is set for a state visit to China, as Serbia continues balancing EU talks with wider partnerships.

NIS Deal Pressure: MOL says the U.S. has licensed it to keep negotiating its purchase of Serbia’s NIS until June 6, while President Vučić insists the Americans will likely extend the license and Serbia is avoiding nationalization. Energy Strategy: Serbia’s Ministry of Mining and Energy is moving to draft an action plan to implement its mineral and geological strategy through 2040, with a public procurement process announced. Financial Rules Update: The National Bank of Serbia prepared draft amendments to fully align the consumer-finance protection law with EU standards, adding new regulation for credit intermediaries and debt counseling. Public Health Pilot: A new #VRATILEK pilot will let citizens return unused or expired medicines to pharmacies for free, aiming to stop pharmaceutical waste ending up in landfills. Belgrade Watch: The U.S. Embassy warned of May 23 demonstrations with street closures around Slavija Square. EU Enlargement Talk: Ana Brnabić says Serbia expects stronger, more vocal Czech support for EU integration after meetings in Prague.

Belgrade Underworld Shock: Serbian police say a missing man’s body was found stuffed in a barrel near Inđija, tied to a restaurant shooting that prosecutors link to the arrest of Belgrade police chief Veselin Milic—now at the center of a wider murder-and-cover-up probe. Kosovo Vote Tensions: Kosovo’s election campaign is turning harsher before the official start, with parties trading accusations and fears of a more aggressive race. Electoral Rules Row: Serbia adopted amendments to four election laws, drawing praise from the EU and criticism from opposition and observers as “cosmetic” changes that miss key ODIHR concerns. EU Path Messaging: Ana Brnabić says Serbia needs EU membership for citizens and business, while Marko Djuric highlights Serbia’s support from African states. Cybersecurity: Researchers warn of GraphWorm malware using Microsoft OneDrive and Graph APIs to hide command traffic. World Cup Politics, Too: England’s squad is set with major omissions under Tuchel, while Serbia’s broader political week stays dominated by security and elections.

Elections Countdown: President Vučić says Serbia will hold parliamentary elections between September and November, promising he’ll recognize results if the ruling party loses—while branding May 15 protesters as “criminal gatherings” and warning of more trouble ahead of a big student rally on Slavija Square. Student Pressure: University demonstrators are mobilizing for a major weekend march, renewing demands for political change after last year’s anti-corruption wave. Energy & Sanctions: Vučić also played down hopes for a quick deal on MOL’s bid to take over NIS, with a Friday deadline looming and the U.S. expected to weigh in on timing. EU Path, Ukraine Link: Serbia and Ukraine signed a cooperation MoU on European integration, while free-trade talks continue. Economy Watch: The European Commission cut its 2026 growth forecast for Serbia to 2.8% (from 3.3%), citing EXPO 2027 investment as the rebound driver in 2027.

Belgrade Protest Warning: Serbia’s Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory ahead of a planned large-scale student protest on May 23 at Slavija Square, warning of likely road blockades and urging drivers—especially heavy goods vehicles—to avoid central routes and use the ring road. Trade Talks Restart: Serbia and Ukraine signed a joint statement in Belgrade to continue negotiations on a free trade agreement, with both sides also discussing ways to boost trade, investment, and cooperation in energy and infrastructure. Energy Deal Tensions: President Vučić said talks with Hungary’s MOL over NIS “are not going well,” while Russia’s Zakharova urged Serbia to ignore speculation about Russia’s stake sale and wait for official comments. Economy Watch: The European Commission forecasts Serbia’s growth at 2.8% in 2026 (3.9% in 2027), but notes a temporary fiscal deficit rise to 3.2% and highlights uneven industrial performance. EU Funding Snag: Serbia was left out of a recent Western Balkans Growth Plan disbursement due to unmet rule-of-law conditions, with money held pending reforms. Tech Push: CCIS and Orion Telekom announced work on a Serbian business AI language model using NVIDIA technology, aimed at supporting companies’ digital transformation.