AGP Executive Report

Coastal Conservation Under Pressure: Thousands of Albanians protested in Tirana for a fourth straight day against a €1.4bn luxury resort tied to Jared Kushner/Affinity Partners, planned near the Vjosa-Narta protected wetland system—home to flamingos, seals and sea turtle nesting—where demonstrators say construction could damage hundreds of hectares of pristine coastline. Public Trust & Governance: The project has been granted “strategic investor” status, and protesters accuse authorities of fast-tracking foreign investment at the expense of environmental safeguards, with clashes reported near the fenced site. Serbia’s Climate & Weather Hit Agriculture: Heavy rain and hailstorms across parts of Serbia (notably Zlatibor, Kolubara, Morava and eastern areas) damaged orchards, vineyards and field crops, renewing calls for stronger risk management and better forecasting. Energy Security Watch: The Energy Community reports improving gas security in South East and Eastern Europe, noting Serbia met early-2026 storage targets for Banatski Dvor. Wildlife Protection Spotlight: A Belgrade case drew attention after a political billboard reportedly blocked Alpine Swift nesting access during breeding season, triggering rapid public and expert reaction.

Coastal Conservation Under Pressure: Thousands of Albanians protested in Tirana against a €1.4bn Kushner-linked resort planned near the Vjosa-Narta protected landscape, with critics warning it could damage flamingo, seal and sea turtle habitats and hundreds of hectares of coastline. Border Security & Regional Tensions: Montenegro blocked entry to 87 Serbs, returning them to Serbia after security checks ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat. EU Rule-of-Law Watch: The European Parliament’s AFET committee adopted reports on Serbia and other Western Balkan states, flagging Serbia’s “appeasing approach” and a gap between EU rule alignment and real implementation, especially on rule of law and elections. Wildlife Protection in Belgrade: A swift-breeding crisis erupted after a political billboard covered nesting openings for strictly protected Alpine Swifts at Albania Palace; public pressure pushed for urgent action. Energy Security Update: The Energy Community says gas storage security is improving across South East and Eastern Europe; Serbia exceeded 2025 targets and is on track for winter readiness. Mining & Land Use: Minrex launched a 7,000m drilling campaign near Bosilegrad to upgrade the Barje gold-silver deposit, while Terra Balcanica secured a new exploration licence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mining & Metals: Minrex Resources has restarted drilling at its Tlamino gold and silver project near Bosilegrad, launching a 7,000-metre, fully self-funded campaign to upgrade the Barje deposit’s resources and feed a new scoping study. Energy Transition & Security: EPS and SOCAR signed basic terms for a gas power plant in Niš, targeting up to 500 MW by 2030 to boost stable supply and diversify Serbia’s energy mix. Weather & Risk: Serbia’s Hydrometeorological Institute issued alerts as severe weather approaches, with storm warnings also circulating across the region. Governance & Trust: A democracy-focused report warns that foreign-linked actors are using environmental and cultural issues to spread disinformation across the Western Balkans, including Serbia. Policy & EU Path: Prime Minister Đuro Macut pushed ministries to keep delivering on Serbia’s Reform Agenda to unlock EU Growth Plan funds, with energy and justice flagged as priorities. Environment & Public Debate: Disputes over protected coastal areas and tourism-linked development continue to spark protests in the region, highlighting pressure on sensitive ecosystems.

Energy Security Watch: A new analysis says the Strait of Hormuz crisis is reshaping Balkan policy debates, pushing Serbia and neighbors to treat energy security as a long-term geopolitical and development challenge, with Belgrade Energy Forum voices backing cross-border power links, renewables and interconnectors. EU Funds & Reforms: Serbian PM Đurić Macut met ministries on the Reform Agenda to speed up EU Growth Plan funds, stressing energy, justice and internal affairs and the need for efficient implementation. Gas & Transition: EPS and SOCAR signed basic terms for a gas power plant in Niš, targeting up to 500 MW by 2030 to boost baseload capacity and diversify supply. Disinformation Risk: An International IDEA report warns foreign-linked actors are using environmental, ethnic and cultural issues to spread disinformation across the Western Balkans, including Serbia, by undermining trust in institutions and EU reforms. Protests & Civic Space: Coverage highlights renewed violent antigovernment protests in Belgrade amid great-power competition, with rights groups warning of intimidation and institutional decline. EV Charging Push: Beam Global announced six more solar-powered EV ARC charging systems for Long Beach, supporting fleet electrification and lower emissions. Protected Nature Under Pressure: Albania’s SPAK investigates a Kushner-linked luxury resort plan near protected coastal areas, sparking environmental protests over wildlife and land status.

Energy & Climate Transition: Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) and SOCAR signed Basic Terms of Cooperation for a gas power plant in Niš, aiming for up to 500 MW of baseload capacity by 2030 and framing the project as energy-security support and a step in Serbia’s “green transition.” Severe Weather Watch: Serbia’s Hydrometeorological Institute and RHMZ issued urgent alerts for thunderstorms, hail and strong winds, with a storm system moving from Vojvodina and western/southern areas toward Belgrade and the east/south, including an orange warning expected soon. Biodiversity & Wildlife Protection: In Belgrade, protests helped remove a “Srbija pobedjuje” banner after Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia said it blocked access to nests of protected alpine swifts. Regional Energy Context: Azerbaijan’s Baku Energy Week highlighted shifting gas deliveries to Europe and growing focus on renewables and electricity transfer, with 16 countries receiving Azerbaijani gas and 3.72 bcm delivered via TAP in early 2026. Governance & Public Trust: A Council of Europe human rights commissioner warned that intimidation, impunity and shrinking civic space are eroding trust in Serbia’s institutions—an issue that can also affect how environmental and public-safety risks are handled.

Severe Weather Alert: Serbia’s Hydrometeorological Institute warns of an unstable pattern with heavy downpours, thunderstorms, hail and storm-force winds, with an orange alert expected as a cold front moves toward Belgrade and across central and western regions. Oil & Rail EIA Steps: Serbia’s environment ministry has kicked off the formal Environmental Impact Assessment process for a new main oil pipeline from the Hungarian border to Novi Sad, while also publishing the start of transboundary EIA screening for a high-speed rail upgrade on Corridor 10 toward Greece. EU Rule-of-Law Pressure: An EU report says Serbia has stalled on rule of law, corruption cases and media freedom, citing growing pressure on judges and journalists. Energy & Industry: Serbia is pushing energy-sector development talks linked to gas, and a recommendation urges companies to prioritize energy efficiency first. Circular Textiles Push: The UAE launched “Naseej” to drive textile circularity, a move that could shape regional sustainability partnerships. Wildlife on Roads: Research highlights that wildlife-vehicle collisions rise with traffic and seasonal movement, underscoring the need for safer road planning.

Severe Weather Watch: Serbia’s Hydrometeorological Institute warns of highly unstable conditions from Monday, with frequent showers and thunderstorms and an orange alert expected tomorrow due to heavy downpours, thunderstorms and localized hail; officials say new warnings may be issued up to two hours before severe weather develops. Pipeline EIA Kickoff: Serbia’s environmental ministry has set the scope for a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment for a new main oil pipeline from the Hungarian border to Novi Sad, starting the administrative process after Hungary confirmed it won’t join the procedure. Rail Corridor 10 Update: The ministry published details for a high-speed double-track railway on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia, triggering an ESPOO transboundary EIA screening because works start near the Tabanovce border crossing. Energy Efficiency Push: A Belgrade panel urges companies to “fix” energy efficiency first, while Serbia’s energy ministry outlines major state investment plans for 2028–2035, including power generation and new gas and oil pipeline connections. Media Freedom Under Pressure: Press freedom watchdogs warn that Alpac Capital’s acquisition of independent Balkan outlets—after Serbia’s media were grouped under Adria News Network—raises fears for newsroom independence, with Serbia’s EU rule-of-law progress also described as stalled.

Rail & Energy Infrastructure: Serbia has started the formal environmental process for major cross-border projects: the ministry published details for a double-track high-speed railway on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia (with transboundary EIA steps under the ESPOO convention), while Transnafta was ordered to prepare the mandatory EIA study for a new underground oil pipeline from the Hungarian border to Novi Sad (about 113 km), with public review required before construction can begin. Energy Transition & Efficiency: A Belgrade panel urges companies to “fix energy efficiency first” and then move to new energy sources, as Serbia plans large state investments in the energy sector from 2028–2035, including new power capacity and grid and pipeline upgrades. EU Rule of Law Watch: An EU Commission document seen by Radio Free Europe says Serbia has stalled on rule of law, corruption cases, and media freedom, warning of increased pressure on judges and journalists. Media Independence Under Pressure: Alpac Capital confirmed an agreement to buy Adria News Network, which includes Serbia’s N1, Nova S, Vijesti and Danas—sparking concerns from press-freedom watchdogs about newsroom independence.

Energy Transition Policy: RES Serbia says Serbia’s new electricity regulation effectively blocks wind and solar projects by postponing grid-connection studies until late 2029, risking delays and stranded guarantees. Renewables & Grid Stability: A Belgrade panel urged companies to start with energy efficiency, while Serbia’s energy ministry outlined major state investment plans for 2028–2035, including new power generation and gas infrastructure. Gas Security: The mining and energy minister met the World Bank to discuss a multi-stage gas-sector programme focused on interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania and upgrades to transport, compression and storage. Green Industry: China-Serbia green steelmaking reports two breakthroughs: trial production of high-end automotive steel panels and confirmation that Serbian iron ore can meet green steel standards via hydrogen metallurgy. Media Freedom Watch: Alpac Capital confirmed it has agreed to buy Adria News Network, which includes Serbia’s N1 and other opposition-facing outlets—prompting press-freedom concerns about newsroom independence. Climate Risk & Heat: At Roland Garros, players faced extreme heat warnings, with Djokovic urging schedule changes to avoid the hottest hours.

Energy Efficiency Push: Experts told Serbian companies to start with energy efficiency before chasing new energy sources, as Serbia’s mining and energy ministry outlined EUR 14.4bn state investment for 2028–2035, including new power capacities and grid, gas and oil pipeline upgrades. Renewables Grid Delays: RES Serbia warned that proposed changes postpone grid connection studies for wind and solar until late 2029, effectively freezing new renewable projects despite existing studies and bank guarantees. Green Industry Breakthroughs: China-Serbia cooperation in “green steel” reported two wins: trial-producing high-end automotive steel panels and confirming Serbian iron ore can meet green steel standards via hydrogen metallurgy. Gas Security Plan: The energy minister met the World Bank to discuss a multi-stage gas sector programme focused on interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania and upgrades to transport, compression and storage. Water Invasives Control: Maine’s DEP (not Serbia) is seeking permits to use ProcellaCOR herbicide against invasive milfoil in three lakes—an example of the wider debate on chemical vs mechanical management. Press Freedom Watch: Alpac Capital’s deal to buy Adria News Network outlets in Serbia (including N1, Nova S, Vijesti and Danas) sparked concerns from journalists’ groups about newsroom independence.

Energy & Renewables Policy: RES Serbia says it has asked Serbia’s Ministry of Mining and Energy to amend electricity supply rules after new regulation changes allegedly postpone grid-connection studies for wind and solar until late 2029, risking delays for projects already holding studies and bank guarantees. Green Industry (China-Serbia): HBIS and the University of Belgrade report two breakthroughs for “green steel” work—trial-producing a high-end automotive steel panel and confirming Serbian iron ore can meet green steel standards via hydrogen metallurgy. Climate Risk & Infrastructure: China and Serbia’s May state visit produced joint statements and multiple deals, including green technology and connectivity, as Belgrade deepens ties with Beijing while pursuing EU membership. Water & Biodiversity: Maine’s environmental agency (not Serbia) is seeking permits to use the herbicide ProcellaCOR to control invasive variable-leaf milfoil in three lakes, with public meetings scheduled in Belgrade, Androscoggin and Windham. Aviation Sustainability: EUROCONTROL’s Tamara Pejovic, an aviation sustainability lead, shared her path from studying in Serbia to promoting sustainability and diversity in aviation. Media Freedom Watch: Alpac Capital and Summer Parent confirmed a deal to sell Adria News/N1 in Serbia, with staff saying they’ve seen no pressure to change editorial policy.

Energy Policy: RES Serbia says proposed changes to Serbia’s electricity regulation could effectively freeze new wind and solar projects by postponing grid-connection studies until late 2029, threatening permits and even projects with existing studies and bank guarantees. Invasive Species & Water Quality: Maine DEP is seeking permits to use the aquatic herbicide ProcellaCOR to control invasive variable-leaf milfoil in three lakes, with public meetings scheduled and treatments planned via subsurface injection. Green Industry (Serbia–China): HBIS and the University of Belgrade report breakthroughs for “green steel” via hydrogen metallurgy, including trial production of high-end automotive steel panels and confirmation that Serbian iron ore can meet green standards. Aviation Sustainability: EUROCONTROL’s Tamara Pejović traces her path from studying nuclear physics in Serbia to leading aviation sustainability and diversity initiatives. Extreme Heat Warning: Serbia’s hydrometeorological institute issues a yellow alert as temperatures may reach 34°C, with experts warning of worsening heat and supercell storms. Local Climate Resilience: Belgrade council seeks a $450,000 grant for a bike pump track at Mayfair Meadows Park, adding outdoor recreation infrastructure.

Heat & preparedness: Serbia’s State Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a yellow alert as temperatures may hit 34°C, with experts warning that extreme heat and supercell storms could intensify. Climate risk in practice: A Coalition 27 assessment says Serbia’s draft Environment Protection Program is not ambitious enough for biodiversity, with weak implementation tools, unclear responsibilities, and too few concrete measures. Pollution & chemicals: An investigation reports the Chinese-owned Linglong Tire plant in Zrenjanin received permits for high-risk chemical areas despite missing approvals for major accident protection, raising Seveso compliance concerns. Local environment funding: Belgrade council is seeking a $450,000 grant for a bike pump track and community park phase, including utilities, irrigation and landscaping. Serbia–China development push: Coverage of Vucic’s China visit highlights deals spanning infrastructure, “green technology” and digital connectivity, while earlier reporting points to Chinese-backed projects like faster Belgrade–Novi Sad rail travel and steel plant revitalization.

Extreme Weather Watch: Serbia’s State Hydrometeorological Institute issued a yellow alert as temperatures may hit 34°C, with experts warning extreme heat could be followed by supercell storms and urging urgent preparedness. Heatwave Toll in Europe: France reported seven heat-related deaths, including people collapsing during a fitness race, plus drownings at swimming spots—an example of how sudden weather swings can overwhelm public safety. Pollution & Chemical Safety: In Zrenjanin, the Chinese-owned Linglong Tire plant received operating permits for high-risk chemical areas despite missing approvals tied to Seveso major-accident requirements, raising concerns about emergency planning and oversight delays. Biodiversity Policy Push: Coalition 27 says Serbia’s draft Environment Protection Program isn’t ambitious enough for biodiversity, lacks clear implementation mechanisms, indicators, responsibility, and funding, and falls behind modern European nature-renewal approaches. Migration & Transit Pressure: Deportations of young Burundians from Switzerland are drawing criticism, with testimonies noting Serbia as a frequent transit point for migrants trying to reach the EU. Local Green Space: Belgrade council voted to seek a $450,000 grant for a bike pump track and community park at Mayfair Meadows, aiming to expand low-impact recreation.

Environment Policy Watch: Serbia’s Coalition 27 says the draft Environment Protection Program falls short on biodiversity, warning it leans on procedures instead of real nature renewal, with weak performance indicators, unclear responsibilities and no solid funding framework. Illegal Waste Trading: Eurojust reports cross-border action against an alleged toxic-waste scheme that turned highly hazardous ash into “eco-friendly” charcoal and other products, operating across Italy, Austria, Germany, Croatia, Serbia and Switzerland. Biodiversity & Protection Gaps: Coalition 27 also flags that Serbia protects less than 11% of its territory, arguing the plan doesn’t match modern European approaches like ecosystem revival and integrated natural resource management. Local Heritage & Land Use: Belo Brdo Archaeological Park in Vinca is set to get a science and research center plus a local community center, with location requirements issued for phase-based construction within the protected site area. Climate/Green Industry Signals: Serbia’s China-linked development push continues, with reports highlighting Chinese investment tied to transport and industry upgrades—raising the stakes for how environmental safeguards keep pace.

UAE–Serbia Family Pact: The UAE Ministry of Family signed a cooperation agreement with Serbia’s Ministry for Family Care and Demography to boost family preservation, empowerment and child protection, building on the 2022 CEPA framework and focusing on fertility support, early childhood, care for children and the elderly, and monitoring ageing’s impact on family life. China–Serbia Tech Pivot: In Beijing, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s China visit keeps shifting the relationship from roads to robots and advanced manufacturing, with talks also covering AI, digital economy, green energy and energy infrastructure. Belo Brdo Gets Research Hub: Serbia’s cultural monuments institute issued location requirements for a Science and Research Center plus a Local Community Center inside the Belo Brdo Archaeological Park complex in Vinca. Illegal Waste Crackdown: Eurojust coordinated action against an alleged illegal waste-trading network, including toxic ash turned into “eco” charcoal and other products, with Serbia named among countries involved. Local Life & Safety: A Belgrade traffic-safety debate resurfaced after analysis of how planning mistakes can still translate into jams and crashes.