AGP Executive Report

Serbia–US Strategic Dialogue: Serbian FM Marko Đurić says the new talks in Washington open a “new chapter” and will be followed by MoUs on energy security (new gas interconnectors) and education (expanding Fulbright). Space & High-Tech: Serbia formally acceded to NASA’s Artemis Accords, with Đurić calling it an “entry ticket” for Serbian institutes, scientists and industry to join cutting-edge space cooperation. US Investment Pipeline: Nemanja Starović says the dialogue could unlock up to $20bn in US investments, with focus on energy, infrastructure and new technologies. Power Infrastructure: Romania and Serbia signed an MoU on Djerdap 3 pumped-storage, setting a framework for information exchange while stressing compatibility with existing Iron Gates hydropower operations. Aviation & Connectivity: Serbia’s Nikola Tesla Airport is set to add three new gates by EXPO 2027, as PM Djuro Macut inspected expansion works. Aviation Safety: The US NTSB will lead the probe into a Ryanair incident over Greece where a Serbian passenger was partly sucked out after a window breach. AI Governance: China-backed WAICO was launched in Shanghai with Serbia among founding members, adding a new global AI governance track alongside Brussels/Washington. Market Watch: Wizz Air warns it may close its Belgrade hub if Serbia’s planned airline regulatory changes aren’t resolved.

AI Diplomacy: China’s Xi Jinping called for AI to be a “symphony” of international cooperation and backed the new Shanghai-based World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO), with Serbia among 29 founding countries. Energy Infrastructure: Romania and Serbia signed an MoU to exchange information on the Djerdap 3 pumped-storage hydropower project, stressing compatibility with Iron Gates 1 and 2 and Danube navigation. Serbia-US Space: Serbia signed the Artemis Accords in Washington, opening a path for Serbian scientists and companies to join NASA’s civil space framework. Energy Security Talks: Serbia’s energy minister said a Serbia-US strategic dialogue will also cover cooperation on Djerdap 3, gas infrastructure, geothermal and potential nuclear programme links. Defence Industry Cooperation: Serbia’s defence minister met Textron and Prince Aviation to discuss aviation-industry partnerships, training and modernization of Serbian Armed Forces capabilities. Tech & Jobs in Serbia: BOYLE Sports is expanding its Serbia technology hub in Belgrade, adding staff and leaning into AI while scaling omni-channel betting operations. Mining & Power Equipment: Serbia’s mining and energy ministry highlighted steps toward Djerdap 3 documentation and joint working groups after preliminary studies. Aviation Safety: The US NTSB will lead the probe into a Ryanair Boeing 737 incident over Greece involving a Serbian passenger nearly pulled from a broken window after engine damage.

Space & Tech Diplomacy: Serbia officially signs the Artemis Accords in Washington, joining 69 countries in NASA’s civil space governance framework and opening a path for Serbian institutions and firms to work in the program. Defense Industry Links: Serbia’s Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic meets Prince Aviation and Textron Aviation Defense to discuss cooperation and modernization, including training and new capability projects. Energy Infrastructure (Hydropower): Serbia and Romania sign an MoU to exchange information for the Djerdap 3 reversible hydropower plant, with Serbia starting conceptual and technical documentation this year. Energy Infrastructure (Hydropower, US angle): Serbia’s energy ministry also flags planned US cooperation via strategic dialogue and an MoU covering Djerdap 3, gas infrastructure, geothermal and nuclear programme potential. Regional Transport & Investment: Russian and Chinese envoys argue Serbia’s geography can make it a key Eurasian transport hub under Belt and Road, aiming to attract logistics investment and technology development. Mining & Power Planning: Serbia-Romania talks emphasize Djerdap 3’s role in balancing Southeastern Europe’s power system and integrating more renewables. Local Business Expansion: BOYLE Sports expands its Serbia technology hub in Belgrade, adding staff and scaling omni-channel betting tech capabilities. Public Health Regulation: Serbia joins a Balkan-wide push to ban smoking and e-cigarettes in public spaces, backed by a regional enforcement network. Agriculture & Food Supply: Serbia culls 11,000 pigs after an African swine fever outbreak, while Serbia’s apricot harvest is hit by heat.

Energy Infrastructure: Serbia’s Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic signed an MoU with Romania’s PM and acting energy minister Ilie Bolojan on information exchange for the Djerdap 3 reversible hydropower plant, with Serbia set to start conceptual and technical documentation this year. Regional Energy Security: Slovakia’s gas shift is accelerating as it negotiates long-term non-Russian supply, with talks for Azerbaijani volumes after 2027 highlighting how Central Europe is competing for reliable gas. Ukraine Support & EU Industry: EU leaders in Kyiv pushed defense industrial cooperation with Ukraine, including a drone and anti-drone deal and plans for joint anti-ballistic missile production, while Serbia again stayed out of the summit’s final declaration but pledged humanitarian aid. Serbia Politics & Jobs: Serbia’s job market shows early recovery, with construction, tourism and hospitality hiring more and young-focused adverts up, while President Vučić said Belgrade will aid Ukraine without joining calls for stronger pressure on Russia. US-Serbia Links: Serbia’s FM Marko Djuric announced the country will accede to NASA’s Artemis space programme via cooperation agreements. Education & Research: The US Embassy in Serbia opened the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program competition for 2027-28, targeting PhD holders for research or lecturing at US universities.

Serbia–EU/Ukraine Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić attended the Ukraine–Southeast Europe summit in Kyiv but refused to sign the final declaration, while pledging more humanitarian aid to Ukraine; the EU’s top official Ursula von der Leyen also used the visit to push deeper defense cooperation. Defense Industry Partnership: The EU and Ukraine signed a Drone Deal and launched an EU–Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership aimed at joint drone/anti-drone production and expanded air-defence manufacturing. Space & Tech: Serbian FM Marko Đurić announced Serbia will accede to NASA’s Artemis space programme via agreements, positioning Serbian institutions and companies for space research participation. Construction & Housing: Work on a mixed-use project in northwest Belgrade that would add 3,200+ residents has been delayed as the city seeks permission to change water use arrangements. Agribusiness Under Heat Stress: Serbia’s apricot harvest is near-record (50,000 tonnes expected), but a new heatwave is forcing farmers to sell quickly, often to processors at low prices. Food Trade Logistics: Serbia remains a key supplier of berries and cherries to Russia’s Kaliningrad region, with inspections clearing multiple consignments this season. Energy/Industry Signals: Serbia and Germany discussed EU integration and cooperation in economy, energy, education, science, innovation and digitalisation. Robotics & Automation Trend: Chinese robot makers are expanding globally from selling machines to delivering automation systems and services, with demand rising in Europe and the US.

Aviation & Safety: Ryanair said it will fully investigate an incident where a Serbian passenger was nearly sucked out after a window broke on a flight from Thessaloniki toward Munich, with the airline praising crew handling and noting the aircraft will be checked by Greek authorities. Defense Industry & EU Support: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv to back Ukraine on Statehood Day, pledging new initiatives to integrate defense industries and announcing a multi-billion-euro drone partnership aimed at ramping up production across EU and Ukrainian firms. Energy Infrastructure: Serbia is discussing a €1bn gas programme with the World Bank, including the first phase of the Niš–Velika Plana pipeline, with later steps covering network expansion, compressor stations and storage. Air Serbia Fleet: Air Serbia added another Airbus A320 (A320-232) to its Belgrade-based fleet to replace older A319s and increase capacity. Media & Sports Production: European Athletics and the EBU rolled out new broadcasting guidelines to prevent the sexualisation of women athletes, urging camera and replay choices that keep focus on performance. Energy Market Uncertainty: Reports say the US has again extended OFAC-related deadlines affecting NIS’s Russian ownership sale talks, leaving Serbia’s largest energy company’s future unclear. Construction Materials: Mapei’s local unit reported higher H1 revenue and flagged that renewed EU-funded infrastructure and energy projects could lift activity in the second half.

Air Serbia Fleet Update: Air Serbia has added another Airbus A320 (YU-APU) to its Belgrade-based fleet, replacing older A319s to boost capacity and efficiency. Energy & Infrastructure: Serbia is in talks with the World Bank on a €1 billion gas programme, starting with the first phase of the Niš–Velika Plana pipeline to strengthen the country’s role as a regional gas hub. Healthcare Expansion: Medicana Health Group opened a Belgrade liaison office to deepen its Balkans presence and support partnerships in Serbia. Tech Manufacturing Push: Serbia plans to start producing Chinese-backed humanoid robots in Šabac by late August, positioning Belgrade as a high-tech manufacturing hub. EU & Regional Context: EU enlargement “Super Tuesday” moves Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine forward in accession negotiations, a backdrop that will shape regional industrial and investment planning. Cost of Living Watch: Serbia’s inflation eased to 2.7% year-on-year in June, with notable pressure in rents and several utility and service categories. Business & Trade Events: Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris returns 31 Aug–2 Sep 2026, highlighting the latest shifts in textile and apparel sourcing.

US-Serbia Strategic Pivot: Serbian FM Marko Đurić says the US will launch a strategic dialogue with Serbia, with the opening session in Washington on July 17 and a “historic” summit visit on July 18—aimed at boosting Serbia’s economy and international standing. EU Enlargement Momentum: Brussels held “Super Tuesday” steps for Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine, moving accession talks forward (and closing chapters for some), while Serbia’s next cluster openings remain politically uncertain. Robotics Manufacturing Push: Serbia plans to start producing Chinese-backed humanoid robots in Šabac by late August, with Agibot and Minth Group, and a roadmap toward AI localisation and wider components for export markets. Energy & Industry Planning: Serbia’s nuclear programme is set to complete Stage 1 by mid-2027, with first plant construction targeted for 2035, following IAEA-aligned studies and capacity building. Agribusiness Watch: Serbia expects a 2026 fruit harvest up to 1.5 million tons, but growers face low prices and bottlenecks in cooling, collection, packaging and processing capacity. Novi Sad Accountability: The Novi Sad appeals court unblocked criminal proceedings tied to the 2024 railway station canopy collapse, clearing the way for a trial. Tech/Finance Signal: Beam Global reported preliminary Q2 2026 revenue up over 170% vs Q1, citing broader products and Europe/Middle East traction.

Novi Sad Railway Station Trial Clears Hurdle: Serbia’s Appeals Court in Novi Sad has reversed a decision that had paused criminal proceedings over the 2024 canopy collapse, unblocking a trial path for former transport minister Goran Vesic and others; the case stems from allegations that the station was put into use while works were still ongoing and that safety maintenance was inadequate. Nuclear Roadmap: Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović says Serbia aims to finish Stage 1 of its nuclear programme by mid-2027 and start building the first plant by 2035, following IAEA-aligned studies on regulation, environmental protection, staffing and supply chains. Agribusiness Watch: Serbia’s 2026 fruit harvest is projected to reach up to 1.5 million tons, with record apricots and plums but pricing pressure due to limited processing capacity; experts flag shortages in cooling, collection centres, packaging and processing for perishables. Energy Connectivity: Serbia has joined Greece-led Vertical Gas Corridor talks, with market participants reserving capacity years ahead and new countries expected to connect to strengthen Balkan and Central Europe gas market integration. Food Security Response: Serbia has scheduled a high-level meeting to tackle African Swine Fever, reporting confirmations across hundreds of holdings and continued culling to contain outbreaks. EU Industry Context: EU accession negotiations update: Serbia’s Cluster 3 could technically open by end-July, but political consensus remains unlikely. Business & Trade Diplomacy: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met Germany’s ambassador to push deeper cooperation on trade, energy, education, science, innovation and digitalisation.

Serbia’s Investment Outlook: Fitch reaffirmed Serbia’s BB+ credit rating with a positive outlook, citing stable policies, exchange-rate discipline, strong FX reserves and resilience, with expectations of faster growth and investment. Energy Connectivity: The Vertical Gas Corridor is picking up speed as capacity bookings for 2026/27–2029/30 already reach 46% at the Sidirokastro border point, and Serbia has officially joined the initiative alongside North Macedonia. Textile Compliance Push: Serbia’s Chamber of Commerce (CCIS) and SIPPO are building “Sustainable Textile Serbia,” a digital hub due by end-July to help local firms meet new EU sustainability rules. Mining & Gold Development: Middle Island Resources says its Bobija project near Ljubovija has opened a large, shallow gold-silver system across 80,000 m², with boundaries still expanding. Project Transfer in Mining: Dundee Precious Metals plans to dismantle Bulgaria’s Ada Tepe processing equipment and reuse it for Serbia’s Coka Rakita gold project, aiming to start construction in early 2027. Renewables Grid Reality Check: Serbia’s RES capacity is now triple 2022 levels, but the energy ministry warns that connection requests (12 GW transmission, 6 GW distribution) require careful network planning to protect stability.

Credit & Investment Climate: Fitch affirmed Serbia’s BB+ rating with a positive outlook, citing stable policies, exchange-rate discipline, solid FX reserves and improving growth prospects. Textile Compliance Push: CCIS and Switzerland’s SIPPO are building a digital platform, Sustainable Textile Serbia, to help local textile firms meet new EU sustainability rules, with tools and guidance due by end-July. Mining & Gold Development: Australian Middle Island Resources says Bobija drilling connected three zones into one large shallow gold-silver system (80,000 m²) with the deposit still open for expansion. Project Pipeline: Dundee Precious Metals plans to dismantle Bulgaria’s Ada Tepe processing equipment and reuse it for Serbia’s Coka Rakita, with construction targeted for early 2027. Renewables Grid Reality Check: Serbia’s energy minister says RES capacity is now triple 2022 levels, but stresses careful network integration and mentions progress on RHPP Bistrica and Djerdap 3. Regional Energy Links: Serbia has joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, with technical work starting to connect new countries and strengthen Balkan-Central Europe market integration. Aviation Safety Shock: A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Germany returned after a window detached; a Serbian passenger was injured but not life-threateningly. Industry Spotlight (Film, but regional): Serbia’s co-production 3 Weeks After won the Europa Cinemas Label at Karlovy Vary, boosting distribution prospects for the Serbian-led youth-focused story.

Energy Diplomacy: Bulgaria’s energy minister says no extra conditions were attached to the Bulgargaz–BOTAS protocol review, setting a 15-month push to better use the long-term gas deal and reduce arrears risk. Regional Energy Integration: Greece and Bulgaria plan a joint strategic document to speed Southeast/Central Europe market integration, while Vertical Gas Corridor talks add North Macedonia and Serbia to the technical work. Mining & Equipment: EPS installed the first rotor excavator for Radljevo mine in Kolubara, a concrete step for production capacity in Serbia’s mining basin. Agribusiness: Serbia culls 11,000 pigs after an African swine fever outbreak in the west, underlining ongoing biosecurity pressure on farms. Manufacturing & Industry Tech: Malbex Carbon says it has completed a graphite electrode factory in Merosina, with production start targeted for September. Aviation Safety: A Ryanair Boeing 737 flight from Thessaloniki to Germany made an emergency return after a passenger window detached in-flight; a Serbian passenger was injured but not life-threatening. Culture with Industry Links: Serbian co-production “3 Weeks After” won the Europa Cinemas Label at Karlovy Vary, boosting visibility for regional film production and distribution.

Serbia’s Defense & Mining: EPS installed the first rotor excavator for the Radlјevo mine in the Kolubara Mining Basin, a concrete step for output in one of Serbia’s key mining areas. Energy Infrastructure: Serbia joined Vertical Gas Corridor talks as DESFA reported capacity bookings ahead of plan, with new technical work starting to extend the corridor to Serbia and North Macedonia. Agribusiness & Biosecurity: Serbia will cull 11,000 pigs after an African swine fever outbreak in western farms, underlining how fast animal-health risks can hit production. Manufacturing & Industry: Malbex Carbon announced construction of a graphite electrode factory in Merosina with production start targeted for September, pointing to deeper industrial inputs for heavy industry. Tech & Innovation: AI for Good Impact Europe is set to be held in Belgrade during Expo 2027, signaling more international tech programming for Serbian ecosystems. Aviation Safety (Serbian link): A Ryanair Boeing 737 incident in Greece involved a Serbian passenger after a window dislodged in flight, prompting an emergency return and hospital treatment. Politics (business climate): President Vučić said he will resign in the coming weeks, with early elections likely—an immediate watch item for investment sentiment. Culture (Serbia co-production): “3 Weeks After,” a Serbia-led co-production, won the Europa Cinemas Label at Karlovy Vary, boosting visibility for local creative industries.

EV & Charging: BYD is running a 15,000km Rome-to-Hong Kong test drive for its Blade Battery 2.0 and superfast charging, with upgraded Denza Z9GT versions touring Europe including Serbia. Aviation Safety: A Ryanair Boeing 737 from Thessaloniki to Germany returned after a passenger window dislodged in flight; a Serbian passenger was partially sucked out but treated for non-life-threatening injuries while investigators look at a possible engine-debris cause. Mining & Energy Equipment: EPS says a 35-meter rotor excavator is installed for the Radljevo mine in Kolubara, part of a €450m push to boost overburden and accelerate coal production. Energy Infrastructure: Bulgaria and Greece met to speed up the Vertical Gas Corridor, with Serbia among partners discussing progress toward operation and regional gas access. Defense Industry: Serbia showcased next-gen armored vehicles, artillery, drones and precision weapons at Eurosatory 2026 via Yugoimport, aiming to expand global defense exports. Politics & EU Path: Italy’s “Rome Charter” push links Western Balkans EU enlargement to transport, energy and digital connectivity, while Serbia’s accession talks are still described as stalled. Diplomacy: Marko Đurić met Hungary’s Anita Orbán in Rome, highlighting EU integration support and growing bilateral trade and investment.

Defense & Industry: Serbia’s Yugoimport showcased next-gen armored vehicles, artillery, drones and precision weapons at Eurosatory 2026, signaling a push to sell integrated land-warfare solutions abroad. Mining & Energy Equipment: EPS completed a 35-meter rotor excavator for the Radljevo mine in Kolubara, part of a ~€450m investment to boost overburden and coal output. Energy Infrastructure: Operators met in Athens to advance the Vertical Gas Corridor, with planning aimed at faster regional access to non-Russian gas and LNG via Greece, and Serbia’s interconnector steps toward 2027. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Serbia began culling 11,000 pigs after an African swine fever outbreak in western farms, with state compensation promised to owners. Monetary Policy: The National Bank of Serbia kept its key rate at 5.75%, citing inflation within target but warning global energy/commodity risks could push prices up later this year. EU & Regional Politics: Italy’s “Rome Charter” aims to speed Western Balkans EU integration and link enlargement to transport, energy and digital connectivity—while Serbia’s accession remains stalled. Aviation Safety (Serbian angle): A Ryanair Boeing 737 incident near Thessaloniki involved a dislodged passenger window and right-engine/cabin decompression issues; a Serbian passenger was hospitalized after being pulled back inside. Security & Justice: Indictments were filed in the Senjak restaurant murder case, including aggravated murder and illegal arms charges.

African Swine Fever Response: Serbia has started culling 11,000 pigs in western Hrtkovci after an ASF outbreak, with the state saying owners will be compensated; the cull is expected to last several days. Monetary Policy: The National Bank of Serbia kept its key policy rate at 5.75%, citing inflation still within target but warning that global geopolitical and commodity risks could push prices later this year. Energy & Heat: Serbia is moving into the second phase of a biomass district heating rollout (31.9m euros), expanding biomass use in multiple cities through 2029 with KfW, the EU and Germany support. Renewables Pipeline: A draft plan is out for the Gornjak wind farm (up to 34 turbines) in the Branicevo district, with public inspection and an environmental impact assessment process underway. Cross-Border Trade & Logistics: Bulgaria and Serbia signed a memorandum to open the Kalotina 2–Gradina 2 border crossing to ease traffic at the existing Kalotina checkpoint. Industry & Tech: Serbia’s Development Agency and Chamber of Commerce backed a national presence at GITEX AI Europe, with 12 IT companies and 16 startups pitching AI solutions to international partners. Business Climate: Serbia’s economy is described as open to cooperation with both EU/US and Russia/China, with digitalization, AI and robotics highlighted as priorities.