AGP Executive Report

UAE–Serbia Ties: Serbian PM Đuro Macut met UAE FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash, stressing deeper economic and investment cooperation under the CEPA framework. Korea–Serbia Trade: South Korea and Serbia signed a CEPA in Belgrade, cutting tariffs on 90% of traded items and boosting access for chips, EVs and auto parts. EU Enlargement Push: EU leaders gathered for a Western Balkans summit in Tivat, aiming to speed tangible single-market benefits for candidates like Montenegro and Albania. Energy Infrastructure: The US Embassy in Serbia launched an interest call for strategic partners on the Djerdap 3 reversible hydropower plant. Industrial Tech in Serbia: Construction of Krusevac’s Industrial and Technology Park is nearing completion, with production and office space for startups and manufacturers. AI & Mental Health Research: A Wellcome-funded FUTURE-D consortium plans to predict severe depression earlier and tailor treatment using large-scale data and clinical cohorts. Health & Prevention: Moldova hosted an international noncommunicable diseases conference with Serbian participation, focusing on prevention, injuries and public health research.

Energy Infrastructure: The US Embassy in Serbia launched a public call for interest to find strategic partners for the Djerdap 3 reversible hydropower plant, with letters of intent due June 25—aimed at shaping technical documentation, financing and construction for a major Danube megaproject. Industrial & Tech Parks: Construction of Serbia’s Industrial and Technology Park in Kruševac is nearing completion, with 39 offices and 14 production halls planned for more than 200 users and first tenants targeted for September. Health Research: A Wellcome Trust-backed FUTURE-D consortium (nearly €6m) will start in autumn 2026 to predict severe depression earlier and tailor treatments using predictive psychiatry and large patient cohorts. Public Health & Prevention: Moldova hosts the 4th International Conference on Noncommunicable Diseases (June 3–5), bringing together about 150 participants including Serbia, WHO and European public health institutions. STEM Outreach: Merck and the University of Zambia brought the Curiosity Cube™ mobile science lab to Zambia, teaching synthetic biology basics through hands-on experiments for students. Bilateral Tech/Innovation Links: Serbia and Uzbekistan discussed investment cooperation spanning industry, agriculture, textiles, information technologies and e-commerce, while also highlighting innovation and education ties.

Predictive Psychiatry Funding: The Wellcome Trust is backing the FUTURE-D consortium with nearly €6m to spot early warning signs of severe depression and tailor treatment sooner, with the project starting in autumn 2026. Serbia-EU Health Infrastructure: Serbia’s Veterinary Specialist Institute Kraljevo has been named the country’s first WOAH reference laboratory for lumpy skin disease, boosting international standing after the disease was previously eradicated. STEM Outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ is bringing hands-on synthetic biology lessons to students across Southern Africa, aiming to spark STEM careers locally. Water Safety in Belgrade: Belgrade declared a water emergency after two municipal wells went offline for repairs; officials say drinking water remains safe while work and testing ramp up. Energy & Tech Diplomacy: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met Finland’s leaders in Helsinki, securing renewed support for Serbia’s European path and discussing cooperation. Animal & Environment Watch: A Belgrade case highlighted how a political billboard can disrupt protected Alpine Swift nesting sites, triggering rapid public and scientific action. Regional Tech-Policy: A European Horizon Europe project, SE-HYDRO, launched to balance hydropower flexibility with river ecosystem protection using AI-based energy management.

Serbia’s EU-facing diplomacy: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met Finland’s President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki, with Finland reaffirming “unequivocal” support for Serbia’s European future and backing Serbia’s integration steps. Security and borders: Montenegro returned 87 Serbian passengers from Tivat after a security assessment tied to the EU–Western Balkans Summit, with future entry bans reportedly on the table. Energy research: The EU-backed SE-HYDRO project launched to help hydropower operators balance grid flexibility with river ecosystem protection, including AI-based energy management and environmental screening. Animal health milestone: Serbia’s Veterinary Specialist Institute Kraljevo became WOAH’s first reference laboratory in the country for lumpy skin disease of cattle, boosting international recognition. STEM outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on synthetic biology lessons to students in Zambia and Pretoria, linking classroom experiments to local STEM careers. Tech-business ties: Serbia–China cooperation is shifting toward AI and robotics, with new agreements and jobs reported after Vucic’s China visit. Local infrastructure: Belgrade declared a water emergency while repairing two municipal wells, stressing drinking water safety during the works. Mining update: DPM Metals reported a new high-grade gold-copper porphyry discovery near the Chelopech mine, with drilling continuing to expand the target.

WOAH Recognition for Serbian Veterinary Science: The Veterinary Specialist Institute Kraljevo was named Serbia’s first WOAH reference laboratory for lumpy skin disease of cattle, a major international nod to local expertise after the country’s earlier eradication success. Belgrade Water Emergency Update: City officials say drinking water remains safe while two municipal wells are repaired—one hit by debris and the other affected by low groundwater—under an emergency response plan and testing. Serbia-Finland EU Support: Serbian FM Marko Đurić met Finland’s leadership in Helsinki, saying Finland reaffirmed “unequivocal” support for Serbia’s European future and backing a united Europe. Serbia-China Tech Push: Serbia’s Chamber chief says cooperation is shifting toward AI, robotics and digital tech, with new projects and jobs tied to recent agreements and a growing Free Trade Agreement impact. STEM Outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on synthetic biology and DNA learning to students in Pretoria, aiming to spark future science careers. Cyber Incident Handling (Regional): A Slovenian CERT team described how it processes thousands of online fraud, phishing and ransomware reports each year, showing how CERT workflows scale with demand. AI Payments Deal: NMI acquired Fee Navigator to add AI-powered pricing intelligence to embedded payments platforms.

Water Safety Update: Belgrade says drinking water remains safe after a water system emergency put two municipal wells offline for repairs and testing; one well needs pump and filtration upgrades, the other was taken out due to low groundwater levels. EU Growth Plan Reforms: Serbian PM Đurić Macut pushed ministries to keep implementing the Reform Agenda to unlock EU Growth Plan funds, with focus on energy, justice, and digitalisation alongside education, science, and innovation. Serbia–Finland Diplomacy: Marko Đurić met Finland’s top officials in Helsinki, highlighting “unequivocal” Finnish support for Serbia’s European path and deeper bilateral cooperation. Serbia–China Media Deal: Film Center Serbia signed cooperation agreements with China Media Group in Beijing, aiming at Expo 2027 promotion and content, events, and tech collaboration. STEM Outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on synthetic biology and DNA “on/off” experiments to 1541 students in Pretoria, linking local schools with STEM careers. Health Research: A new global analysis finds no safe alcohol threshold and links even one drink a day to higher risk of multiple cancers. AI & Robotics Push: Serbia’s Chamber chief says Serbia–China cooperation is shifting toward AI and robotics, with new projects and jobs tied to recent agreements. Payments Tech: NMI acquired Fee Navigator to add AI-powered pricing intelligence to embedded payments platforms. Cancer Biology Research: University of Galway biochemist Mihailo Mirkovic leads a fungi study on RNA processing stress and chromosome abnormalities tied to cancer and neurodegeneration.

Biotech Research: University of Belgrade alumnus Dr Mihailo Mirkovic is set to lead a new DNA-repair and RNA-processing study at the University of Galway, aiming to understand how cellular stress can trigger chromosome errors linked to cancer and neurodegenerative disease. Public Services: Belgrade declared a water system emergency to speed repairs on two offline municipal wells, with officials saying drinking water is safe while residents keep current restrictions. Energy Storage Policy: At Belgrade Energy Forum 2026, speakers argued battery energy storage systems are now “no longer optional” for the region, but financing depends on clear rules for revenue streams and grid services. AI & Security: A report says Serbia is expanding facial recognition capabilities via foreign and domestic systems, including live camera feeds and large-scale search functions. Tech-Driven Diplomacy: Coverage highlights how China-Serbia ties keep deepening, including new investment signals and tech cooperation themes. Innovation Ecosystem: Moldova joined the European Patent Organisation as its 40th member, extending automatic European patent coverage to the country.

Energy Storage & Grid Policy: At Belgrade Energy Forum 2026, speakers said battery energy storage systems (BESS) are moving from “optional” to essential, but Southeast Europe still needs clearer legislation and financing models so projects can earn from both arbitrage and grid support services. Oil Infrastructure (EIA process): Serbia’s environmental ministry has set the scope for the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment for a new main oil pipeline from the Hungarian border to Novi Sad, with public review and final approval required before construction can start. AI & Facial Recognition (governance risk): Serbia’s facial recognition rollout is expanding via multiple vendors and platforms, raising questions about how live feeds and retrospective identification are governed and audited. Patents & Innovation Access: Moldova joined the European Patent Organisation as its 40th member, meaning European patent applications will automatically cover Moldova from 1 June—good news for regional innovators. Serbia–China Tech & Industry Links: Multiple reports highlight deepening Serbia–China cooperation, including new momentum around investments and high-tech collaboration, with “ironclad friendship” framing the push. EU Enlargement Signal: An EU top official told Western Balkan countries that enlargement is real, reinforcing political backing that could shape future research, tech, and investment priorities. UAE–Serbia Cooperation: The UAE and Serbia announced strengthened economic and renewable energy cooperation, with technology and education also on the agenda. Media Ownership (regional): Alpac Capital agreed to buy Adria News Network from United Group, aiming to protect editorial independence across the Balkans.

Facial Recognition Watch: Serbia is expanding its facial recognition toolkit, with reports tying new deployments to live camera feeds and large-scale search capabilities—raising fresh legality and oversight questions. Energy & Industry Planning: Serbia’s energy roadmap is getting concrete: experts urge companies to start with energy efficiency, while the state outlines major 2028–2035 investments across power generation and grid, plus gas and oil pipeline connections. China-Serbia Tech Push: Serbia’s robotics and AI cooperation with China keeps accelerating, from youth innovation exchanges to plans for humanoid robot production in Serbia. EU Tech & IP: Moldova joined the European Patent Organisation, meaning European patent applications now automatically cover Moldova from 1 June—boosting regional innovation protection. Regional Infrastructure: Serbia-Hungary oil pipeline work moves forward as Serbia begins the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment process for the Novi Sad route. Diplomacy & Science Links: Serbia’s foreign ministry met Morocco’s ambassador, flagging cooperation in economy, science, education, and tourism. Migration Policy: EU discussions consider tightening temporary protection rules for Ukrainian men of fighting age—an issue with direct knock-on effects for regional migration flows.

Oil & Infrastructure: Serbia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection has set the scope for the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment for a new main oil pipeline from the Hungarian border to Novi Sad, with Transnafta as the state investor and a one-year deadline for the study before any ground works can start. China-Serbia Tech & Industry: President Aleksandar Vučić’s China visit keeps driving the “ironclad friendship” narrative, with new cooperation documents spanning economy, technology and energy, plus fresh focus on robotics and AI learning exchanges. Humanoid Robots Push: Vučić toured Minth Group’s “future factory” in Jiaxing, where Serbian youths trained on intelligent robotics; both sides say humanoid robot production in Serbia is planned soon. Energy Efficiency First: A Belgrade panel urged companies and households to prioritize energy efficiency while Serbia’s state plans €14.4bn energy investment (2028–2035), including new power capacity and grid, gas and oil pipeline connections. Media Ownership Shake-up: Alpac Capital agreed to buy Adria News Network (ANN), owner of N1 and Nova S in Serbia; minority shareholders warn the deal could be illegal and plan legal action. EAEU Digital & AI: EAEU leaders in Astana backed deeper integration via digitisation and AI, including updates to Serbia-related trade rules and new free-trade talks with Tunisia.

Serbia-China Tech & Industry: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić wrapped up a May 24–28 state visit to Beijing, with Xi Jinping reiterating “ironclad friendship” and highlighting new cooperation in emerging areas; Vučić also toured Tsinghua and Xiaomi’s auto operations. Humanoid Robots: Vučić visited Minth Group’s “future factory” in Jiaxing, where Serbian youths trained on intelligent robotics; the two sides plan humanoid robot production in Serbia soon. Green Steel Breakthroughs: HBIS and the University of Belgrade reported trial results in high-end automotive steel panels and hydrogen-metallurgy tests using Serbian ore, via a joint lab approved in 2024. Energy Efficiency Push: Serbia’s energy focus is shifting toward efficiency first, alongside major state investment plans for 2028–2035, including new power capacity and grid upgrades. Media Ownership Update: Alpac Capital agreed to buy Adria News Network (ANN), the owner of N1 and Nova S in Serbia, with completion expected in H2 2026. EAEU Digital & AI: EAEU leaders backed deeper integration through digitisation and AI, including updated trade rules with Serbia to simplify customs clearance.

Serbia–China Tech & Industry: President Aleksandar Vučić wrapped up a state visit to Beijing, highlighting new cooperation in robotics and AI, including plans to produce humanoid robots in Serbia after youth training at Minth Group’s “future factory” in Jiaxing. Green Steelmaking: HBIS says China-Serbia research has delivered two breakthroughs in green steel—trial-producing a high-end automotive steel panel and confirming Serbian iron ore can meet green standards via hydrogen metallurgy. Energy Efficiency Push: Experts urge companies to start with energy efficiency, while Serbia’s energy ministry outlines major state investment (EUR 14.4bn, 2028–2035) to expand power generation and grid capacity. Media Ownership Watch: Alpac Capital agreed to buy Adria News Network from United Group, a deal expected to close in H2 2026, amid political sensitivity and legal challenges from minority shareholders. EAEU Digital & AI: EAEU leaders in Astana discussed deeper integration via digitisation and AI, including updated customs facilitation with Serbia. Solar Project Delay: EPS suspended a tender for supervision of EUR 5.5m self-balancing solar power plants after bids failed tender conditions.

Serbia–China Robotics & AI: President Aleksandar Vučić visited Minth Group’s “future factory” in Jiaxing, where Serbian youths showcased robotics training and Vučić said Serbia will produce humanoid robots locally soon, building on earlier plans for a large-scale robot production base. Serbia–China Deals & Finance: During the May 24–28 state visit, China and Serbia signed 20+ cooperation documents and expanded their local-currency swap from 1.5 to 5 billion yuan to boost trade and investment. Green Steel Breakthrough: HBIS and the University of Belgrade reported trial results in green steelmaking, including high-end automotive steel panels and hydrogen metallurgy meeting Serbian iron-ore standards. Space Tech: Serbia is developing its first domestically designed satellite (MOSAIC) with Chinese support, aiming to monitor solar X-rays and capture imagery from a Serbian satellite in orbit. Energy Procurement: EPS suspended a tender for supervision of self-balancing solar power plants worth about €5.5m after bids failed to meet tender conditions. Tech Policy & Expo 2027: At the Bloomberg Serbia Policy Outlook 2026 conference, Serbia’s foreign ministry stressed IT growth, infrastructure, and preparations for Expo 2027.

China-Serbia Robotics & Industry: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić wrapped up a Beijing visit praising China’s robotics pace and saying Serbia will “go sky-high” once the first robot is out, while also announcing potential new Chinese investments worth hundreds of millions of euros. Auto & Jobs Push: New deals signed in China total about €953m and nearly 1,700 jobs, spanning Minth Group, SHAC, BMTS Technology, Xingyu Automotive, plus Linglong Tire and Yusei. Green Steel Breakthrough: HBIS and the University of Belgrade report trial production of high-end dual-phase automotive steel and hydrogen-metallurgy confirmation that Serbian ore can meet green steel standards. Space Tech: Serbia is developing its first domestically designed satellite (MOSAIC), a CubeSat with Chinese support, aiming to monitor solar X-rays and capture Serbia’s first orbital image. Energy & Nuclear Options: Serbia says it will consider a Chinese modular nuclear reactor offer, while EPS again suspended a tender for supervision of state solar power plants worth about €5.5m. Aviation STEM & Inclusion: EUROCONTROL’s Tamara Pejović shared her path from nuclear physics to aviation sustainability and diversity work. Finance Link: China and Serbia expanded their local-currency swap to 5bn yuan for stronger trade and settlement. Food Tech: PerfoTec and Green Factory partnered to roll out laser perforation for MAP packaging across 14 CEE markets including Serbia.

Serbia–China Tech & Industry Push: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic wrapped a five-day China state visit, highlighting Xi Jinping’s Friendship Medal and touring Tsinghua University and Xiaomi’s auto factory, while also pitching Serbia’s next leap in robotics and advanced manufacturing. Big Investment Deals: In Beijing and Jiaxing, Serbia signed agreements worth about EUR953m with Chinese firms (including Minth Group, SHAC, BMTS Technology, Xingyu, plus plans from Linglong Tire and Yusei), tied to roughly 1,650 new jobs across automotive supply chains and high-tech production. Robotics Showcase: Vucic visited Minth Group’s innovation center in Jiaxing, where humanoid robots performed, underscoring a “bridges to bots” theme for future Serbian deployments. Space Tech Milestone: Serbia is developing its first domestically designed satellite, MOSAIC, with Chinese assistance, aiming to monitor solar X-rays and capture Serbia’s first image from orbit. Local STEM Innovation: Belgrade’s Beoavia student team is preparing autonomous drone projects for international competitions, including GNSS-free landing using machine vision. Energy & Grid Watch: Romania’s Transelectrica reported a 27% Q1 profit rise, a reminder of regional grid investment momentum. Safety Concern: A probe says Linglong Tire’s Zrenjanin plant received permits for risky chemical sections despite missing approvals tied to major-accident protections.

Serbia–China Tech Push: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s state visit to China is doubling down on advanced manufacturing and AI, with new cooperation deals worth nearly €1bn and 1,650 jobs, plus fresh signals that humanoid robots are headed to Serbia and could be produced locally soon. Robotics & Automation in Focus: Vučić toured Minth’s innovation center in Jiaxing, where humanoid robots performed and were framed as “new development energy” for Serbia; the visit also followed a Xiaomi factory stop in Beijing highlighting highly automated EV production. Local Innovation Spotlight: Belgrade’s Beoavia student team unveiled autonomous quadcopter “Vidar” using machine vision for landing-zone recognition and an unmanned transport aircraft “Svitac” for the Air Cargo Challenge 2026. Industry Investment Pipeline: Chinese investment is also being tied to real infrastructure and production upgrades, from a Chinese-built high-speed rail link cutting Belgrade–Novi Sad travel to 30 minutes to revitalization at Smederevo Steel. EU Tech/Policy Context: Separately, EU–China trade tensions are rising as Brussels weighs a “Made in Europe” push aimed at curbing Chinese imports.