Dubai Chambers Concludes Successful Trade Mission to Serbia, Bolstering Economic Ties
Dubai Chambers recently concluded a trade mission to Belgrade, Serbia, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation across diverse sectors. The delegation, led by H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, explored new trade and investment opportunities, building on the UAE–Serbia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Discussions covered technology, agriculture, tourism, and logistics, with non-oil trade reaching AED 335.8 million in 2024.
Jared Kushner's Firm Withdraws from Controversial Belgrade Project Amid Corruption Scandal and Public Opposition
Jared Kushner's Affinity Global Development has pulled out of a planned $500 million luxury development at the former Yugoslav Army headquarters in Belgrade. The withdrawal follows a corruption scandal involving Serbian officials, widespread public protests, and allegations of forged documents to strip the historic site of its protected status.
Serbia Transforms Seven Public Enterprises into Limited Liability Companies
The Serbian government has converted seven public enterprises, including Posta Srbije and Putevi Srbije, into limited liability companies. This move, mandated by a September 2023 law, aims to enhance corporate governance and improve management efficiency.
Serbia Extends Russian Gas Deal for Three Months Amid Long-Term Contract Talks
Serbia has secured a three-month extension of its gas supply agreement with Russia, ensuring deliveries until March 31, 2026. The interim deal comes as negotiations for a long-term contract continue, with Serbia heavily reliant on Russian energy and facing complexities due to US sanctions on its oil company, NIS.
Slovak President Pellegrini Reaffirms Strong Support for Serbia's EU Accession in Belgrade
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on December 21, 2025, reaffirming Slovakia's unwavering support for Serbia's European Union membership path. Pellegrini criticized the EU's 'political games' and delays in the enlargement process, while Vucic thanked Slovakia for its 'courageous' stance and respect for Serbia's territorial integrity.
IMF Concludes Second Review of Serbia's Economic Program, Praises Fiscal Discipline and Reforms
The IMF Executive Board has successfully completed its Second Review of Serbia's Policy Coordination Instrument, acknowledging maintained fiscal discipline, advancing structural reforms, and prudent macroeconomic policies despite slowed economic growth.
IMF Concludes Second Review of Serbia's Economic Program, Citing Fiscal Discipline Amid Slowed Growth
The IMF Executive Board completed its Second Review under the Policy Coordination Instrument for Serbia, noting slowed economic growth to 2% in 2025 due to headwinds. However, the report praised Serbia's maintained fiscal discipline, cautious monetary policy, and advancing structural reforms in public finance and energy, with growth projected to recover in 2026 and 2027.
Serbian President Vucic Reaffirms One-China Principle During Nis Visit
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reiterated Serbia's firm support for the One-China principle during a visit to Nis on December 12, 2025. He affirmed that the Taiwan question is an internal affair for China, underscoring Serbia's consistent stance and highlighting robust bilateral economic cooperation.
Serbia Grapples with Worsening Energy Crisis Amid US Sanctions on NIS
Serbia faces a deepening energy crisis as US sanctions on Russian-owned NIS have halted crude oil imports, leading to the shutdown of its sole refinery. President Vučić is seeking alternative oil supplies from neighboring countries like Bulgaria and Romania and warns of potential secondary sanctions on the banking sector.
Serbia's EU Accession Talks Stalled Amid Lack of Consensus and Reform Concerns
Serbia's bid to join the European Union faces continued stagnation as member states fail to reach a consensus on opening new negotiation chapters by year-end. Key obstacles include insufficient progress on rule of law, normalization of relations with Kosovo, and alignment with EU foreign policy.
Coordinated Bot Attacks Target Serbian Student Activists and Macedonian Independent Media
Coordinated bot attacks in November 2025 targeted Instagram profiles of Serbia's 'Students in Blockade' movement and North Macedonian independent media outlet Sloboden Pechat. The sophisticated attacks involved a massive influx of fake followers and bot comments, aiming to trigger platform shutdowns or 'shadow bans' and silence critical voices.
Elzan Bibic Shatters Serbian Half Marathon Record in Belgrade with 61:47 Finish
Serbian runner Elzan Bibic made history at the 6th Belgrade Half Marathon on November 23, 2025, winning the race and setting a new national record with an impressive time of 61:47. This performance marks the first time a Serbian athlete has broken the 62-minute barrier in the half marathon.
UCLA Assistant Nemanja 'Yogi' Jovanovic Appointed to Serbian National Basketball Team Coaching Staff
UCLA assistant coach Nemanja 'Yogi' Jovanovic has been named an assistant coach for the Serbian Men's Basketball National Team for the next three seasons. He will serve under head coach Dusan Alimpijevic, contributing to FIBA competitions including the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while continuing his duties with UCLA.
Serbia Boosts Secret Service Budget to Nearly €89 Million for 2026 Amid Kosovo Tensions and Espionage Concerns
Serbia's Security Information Agency (BIA) is set to receive a budget of nearly 89 million euros for 2026, marking a significant increase. This comes amidst reported intelligence failures in Kosovo and a rise in espionage-related arrests, with a focus on enhancing technological and operational capacities.
Church of Saint Sava Hosts Spiritual Event Honoring Holy Unmercenaries
The Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade, Serbia, recently hosted a significant spiritual event on November 14, 2025, celebrating the Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries, Saints Cosmas and Damian. The gathering, led by Patriarch Porfirije, honored healthcare professionals and emphasized the spiritual dimension of service, drawing numerous clergy, medical personnel, and faithful.
Thousands Protest Kushner-Linked Luxury Development at Historic Belgrade Site
Thousands of protesters in Belgrade formed a human shield around the former Yugoslav Army General Staff complex, opposing its redevelopment into a luxury compound by Jared Kushner's Affinity Global Development. The site, damaged in the 1999 NATO bombing, is considered a cultural monument, sparking concerns over historical preservation and alleged corruption.
Zelenskyy and Serbian Parliament Speaker Brnabić Hold Talks on European Integration in Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić in Kyiv on November 10, 2025. Discussions focused on European integration, intergovernmental cooperation, regional security, and the issue of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The visit marked the first by a senior Serbian official to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion.
EC 2025 Progress Report Delivers Harshest Criticism Yet to Serbia Over Rule of Law, Corruption, and Freedoms
The European Commission's 2025 Progress Report on Serbia has adopted a significantly harsher tone, citing widespread corruption, a severe lack of accountability, and notable backsliding in freedom of expression. The report underscores a deepening polarization in Serbian society and a slowdown in crucial reforms, impacting the country's EU accession path.
Serbia Expands Electricity Bill Reductions for Over 170,000 Households This Heating Season
Serbia's Ministry of Mining and Energy has announced that over 170,000 households will receive reduced electricity bills during the upcoming heating season, a significant increase from previous years. The initiative targets energy-vulnerable citizens and pensioners, offering various discounts and simplified application processes.
Serbian Startups Showcase Innovation at Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon
Serbian startups are set to present their latest innovations at Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal, from November 10-13. Organized with support from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, a significant delegation will feature on a dedicated 'Serbian Island' and National Stand, highlighting the country's rapidly growing tech ecosystem.
