AGP Executive Report

Science & Tech Cooperation: Serbia and Republika Srpska agreed to form a coordination team for science and technology, aiming to align projects, periodicals and joint academic classes, and to share Serbia’s experience with science/tech parks. AI Policy & Industry: Serbia’s foreign minister said at AIability 2026 that Belgrade will push responsible AI via science diplomacy and partnerships, while a separate report argues Serbia’s AI push is moving faster than legal guardrails. AI for Kids: UNICEF says children are adopting AI tools over three times faster than adults, warning governance is lagging behind. Health Tech: HeartBeam completed enrollment in its heart-attack detection pilot ahead of schedule, using 3D ECG to speed care decisions outside clinics. Climate & Safety: A Europe-wide heatwave keeps red alerts active, with Serbia among the countries facing extreme temperatures and record-breaking conditions. Digital Economy: Mercuryo earned Great Place to Work certification across multiple European markets, highlighting its remote-first fintech culture.

AI Policy & Industry: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić used the AIability 2026 conference to push Belgrade as a hub for responsible AI, pointing to the 2019 AI strategy, science parks, BIO4 Campus and the Kragujevac State Data Centre. AI Governance Debate: A separate analysis argues Serbia’s AI push often lacks clear legal guardrails on who builds systems, who owns data, and how public-use AI is governed. Health Tech: HeartBeam says it finished patient enrollment early in its ALIGN-ACS pilot for heart-attack detection using 3D ECG, aiming to speed care decisions outside clinics. Mining & Supply Chains: Minrex advances Serbia’s Tlamino gold project with infill drilling at Barje, lab sample dispatch, and metallurgical testwork planning. Defense Modernization: Serbia continues upgrading armored capability, with crews training on modernized M-84 AS1/2 tanks for breakthrough operations. Climate & Safety: Europe’s heatwave remains a major risk, with Serbia among countries forecast to see extreme temperatures. Digital Growth: Google’s Ads partner Coob Ads expands as an official Google Ads sales representative across Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Moldova, building on its Serbia presence. Tech & Society: Therapy dogs are highlighted as a practical tool to reduce stress in ADR settings.

Serbia’s AI push: At AIability 2026 in Belgrade, FM Marko Đurić said Serbia has a “systemic” AI approach since 2019, pointing to science parks, BIO4 Campus, and a National Platform on AI. Defense modernization: Serbia announced live-fire breakthrough training with modernized M-84 AS1/2 tanks, aiming to turn upgrades into real combat readiness. China ties under scrutiny: President Vučić said Serbia will buy more Chinese CM-400 ballistic missiles and likely new fighter jets, despite Western warnings. Digital marketing expansion: Coob Ads became Google Ads’ official sales representative in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Moldova from July 1, building on its Serbia role. Mining development: Minrex Resources advanced infill drilling and metallurgical testwork for the Tlamino gold project in southern Serbia, with lab results expected in weeks. Climate pressure: Europe’s record heatwave is easing but still leaves tens of millions exposed; Serbia is forecast to reach up to 39C. Industry signal: Škoda Group reported 2025 orders near €1.8B and a major EBITDA jump, highlighting demand for battery and hybrid rail tech.

Heatwave Watch: Europe is bracing for another round of extreme heat, with AFP reporting 95+ million people facing 35C+ on Tuesday; Serbia is in the mix with forecasts up to 39C, while Italy and Croatia remain on red alert after deadly conditions and wildfire fears. Serbia’s AI Push: At AIability 2026 in Belgrade, Serbia’s foreign minister said the country has a “systemic” AI approach since 2019, pointing to science parks, BIO4 Campus, and a national AI platform. Defense Training: Serbia’s 15th Tank Battalion trained with modernized M-84 AS1/2 tanks in tactical and live-fire drills aimed at breakthrough operations, highlighting upgraded sensors, fire-control, and protection. Mining Development: Minrex Resources advanced Serbia’s Tlamino gold project with 12 infill diamond holes at Barje, lab sample dispatches, and a metallurgical testwork program led by Ausenco. Digital Ads Expansion: Coob Ads became Google Ads’ official sales representative in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Moldova from July 1, extending its localized support footprint beyond Serbia. Rehab Tech: A Belgrade-linked study reports VR plus real-time nerve stimulation improving stroke patients’ touch and arm recovery versus conventional rehab.

Extreme Heat in the Balkans: AFP reports Europe’s record heatwave is easing but still leaves 95 million people facing 35C+ temperatures Tuesday, with Serbia among the countries expected to hit around 39C and red alerts also in Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and others. Serbia’s AI Push: At AIability 2026 in Belgrade, FM Marko Đurić says Serbia is a regional AI leader, pointing to a 2019 AI strategy, a 2030 plan, BIO4 Campus, and a National AI platform in Kragujevac. Military Modernization: Serbia’s 15th Tank Battalion trained with modernized M-84 AS1/2 tanks in tactical and live-fire drills focused on breakthrough operations, highlighting upgraded sensors, fire-control and protection. Health-Tech Rehab Breakthrough: A Belgrade-linked study describes a VR plus nerve-stimulation system (MultiSensy) that improves stroke patients’ arm recovery and touch perception versus conventional rehab. Energy Transition Angle: New research suggests Europe could absorb up to 614 GW of solar when generation is matched hour-by-hour to demand, limiting overproduction risk. Media Freedom Watch: The EU’s Media Pluralism Monitor flags Serbia as high-risk for journalists’ working conditions and safety, with Serbia among the worst performers.

Extreme Heat & Wildfire Risk: Europe’s record heatwave is easing in the west but still threatens tens of millions, with forecasts putting 95M+ people at 35°C+ in Serbia and parts of the Balkans as the “heat dome” shifts east; health alerts and wildfire fears are rising, with Italy and Croatia under red warnings and firefighters battling blazes. Serbia Politics & Media: BIRODI says President Aleksandar Vučić used a televised address on pension and aid measures to campaign for parliamentary elections that aren’t scheduled yet, raising concerns about misuse of public office. Air Defence Modernisation: Serbia confirms it will be the first European operator of China’s HQ-9 long-range air defence system, boosting long-range coverage for drones and cruise missiles. Cybersecurity: Montenegro arrested an Iranian suspect tied to hacking attacks on US infrastructure worth $3.4B, awaiting extradition. Wildlife Conservation: Feliks, a Serbian eastern imperial eagle, has returned after being poached and illegally traded across the Middle East, rescued via a cross-border operation. Media Freedom: The EU’s Media Pluralism Monitor flags worsening working conditions for journalists, with Serbia among the weakest performers.

Serbia’s Air Defense Upgrade: Serbia officially confirms it will buy China’s HQ-9 long-range air defense system, making it the first European operator and boosting its ability to counter aircraft, drones and cruise and selected ballistic missile threats. Heatwave Emergency: A record-breaking heatwave is still hammering Italy and the Balkans, with Serbia warned up to 39°C and Croatia issuing red alerts; wildfire risk is rising as firefighters battle blazes including on Croatia’s Vis island. EU Media Pressure: The EU-wide #MPM2026 report flags worsening conditions for journalists across Europe, with Serbia singled out for very high risk on both safety and working conditions. Cybercrime Case: Montenegro arrests an Iranian suspect tied to hacking attacks against US infrastructure, with extradition steps underway after claims of major damage to US universities. Regional Tech & Diplomacy: Serbia’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Marina Ragus meets a Tunisian parliamentary delegation, discussing cooperation in digitalisation, IT and education. Sports Tech Angle (Coaching Link): India’s men’s volleyball team wins its first-ever AVC Cup bronze, coached by Serbia’s Dragan Mihailović, and India jumps in world rankings after the home-tournament run.

Climate & Health: Europe’s record-breaking heatwave is pushing east again, with at least 191 million people forecast to face 35°C+ and the WHO reporting 1,300+ excess deaths since June 21; France alone logged about 1,000 additional deaths, mostly among people 65+, while schools and public life keep getting disrupted. Wildfire Risk: As temperatures climb toward 39°C in Serbia, authorities warn residents to limit outdoor activity; Croatia issued top-level alerts and firefighters battled a blaze on the island of Vis, while Albania also struggled with fires near Klos. Serbia Tech & AI Policy: Serbia’s government approved talks to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, making the country a founding member and aiming to boost joint research and innovation. Cybersecurity Watch: A Citizen Lab investigation says Russian authorities used Cellebrite UFED to crack an activist’s iPhone even after Cellebrite claimed it cut ties—another reminder that “sales cutoffs” don’t stop offline-capable tools.

Heatwave & public health: Europe’s deadly heat keeps pushing east. WHO says more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since June 21, while France’s health agency reports about 1,000 additional deaths since June 24, mostly among people 65+. AFP estimates at least 191 million Europeans face 35C+ on Sunday, with Serbia listed among the countries hit. Serbia governance & tech community: In Kraljevo, thousands protest President Aleksandar Vučić after he said he’ll resign within weeks, with fears he could keep influence through allies. AI cooperation: Serbia’s government approved talks to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization as a founding member, aiming to boost joint research and innovation. Local infrastructure: Belgrade says two municipal wells had operational problems and repairs are underway, with emergency measures and testing planned. Sports (not tech-led): Scotland’s Steve Clarke quit after World Cup elimination; the news is mostly football, but it’s dominating headlines.

Heatwave Watch: Europe is baking again as scientists link recurring extreme heat to human-driven climate change, with forecasts saying at least 191 million people could hit 35C on Sunday; Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland are hardest hit, while health systems brace for more deaths and emergency strain. Serbia in the Mix: The same heatwave is expected to affect Serbia alongside Slovakia, Croatia, Italy, Austria and western Ukraine, adding pressure to public services during peak temperatures. AI Diplomacy: Serbia’s government approved talks to found the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, positioning Serbia as a founding member to boost AI research, innovation and cross-border knowledge exchange. Cybersecurity: A new forensic report says Russia used Cellebrite’s UFED tool on a jailed activist’s phone even after the company claimed it had cut off contracts—highlighting limits of “sales cutoffs” against offline-capable tools. Local Tech & Water: Belgrade is restoring two municipal wells after operational issues, with repairs and testing funded to protect reliable water service.

AI Diplomacy & Research: Serbia’s government approved talks to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, positioning Serbia as a founding member to boost AI research, innovation, and knowledge exchange. Healthcare Tech: A new VR + nerve-stimulation stroke rehab platform called MultiSensy (from MedUni Vienna and ETH Zurich) showed improved arm/hand function and better tactile/body awareness in a Nature Medicine feasibility study. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new SharkLoader malware campaign delivering Cobalt Strike Beacon, targeting organizations across multiple countries including Serbia-linked victims. Energy & Industry: Kansai Helios Group says it will gradually relocate production from Croatia’s Zagreb to sites in Slovenia and Serbia. Geothermal for Heating: A report highlights geothermal district heating in Szeged (Hungary) as a model for Central Europe’s energy transition—relevant for the region’s push to cut import dependence. Serbia R&D Funding: Serbia’s 2025 budget spent 42.4 bln dinars on research and development, up 8.9% year-on-year. Public Safety: Europe’s extreme heatwave continues with record temperatures and major disruptions, while Serbia’s own local infrastructure response includes repairs to municipal wells.

Extreme Heat Across Europe: A record-breaking heatwave is pushing health systems to the limit, with France reporting at least 55 heat-related deaths and emergency calls surging in the UK; alcohol limits and event cancellations are spreading as temperatures climb toward 40C+ in multiple countries, including Serbia. Water & Infrastructure: Belgrade says two municipal wells are offline due to equipment damage and low groundwater levels, with repairs and testing underway and costs covered by emergency authorizations. AI in Public Services (Balkans): The region is moving into AI-powered governance, from Bulgaria’s planned “robot advisory council” to earlier AI minister experiments in Albania. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new SharkLoader malware campaign delivering Cobalt Strike Beacon, targeting organizations across multiple countries including Serbia-linked victims. Health Tech for Stroke Rehab: A VR plus targeted nerve stimulation platform (MultiSensy) shows improved arm/hand function and sensory awareness in stroke patients, pointing to more personalized rehab. Serbia R&D Funding: Serbia’s 2025 research and development budget spending reached 42.4 bln dinars, up 8.9%, with most funds going to government and higher education. Energy Transition (Geothermal): Central Europe’s geothermal push is highlighted through Szeged’s district heating overhaul, now supplying most apartments with heat from beneath the city. Industry Move to Serbia: Kansai Helios plans to relocate production from Croatia to Slovenia and Serbia over coming years. Belgrade Cyber Startup: Origin One, OneFirewall and AquilaX launch BondMesh to build security operations software for enterprises and critical infrastructure.

Heatwave Watch: Europe is on high alert as a deadly heatwave drives emergency measures across France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, and Serbia, with France reporting at least 55 heat-related deaths and Paris reaching 40.9°C; events are being cancelled or postponed and even roads are buckling. Stroke Rehab Breakthrough: A new VR + targeted nerve stimulation platform called MultiSensy (from MedUni Vienna and ETH Zurich) is showing improved arm/hand function and better tactile/body awareness in a feasibility clinical study, aiming to fix gaps left by movement-only therapy. Serbia R&D Funding: Serbia’s 2025 budget spending on research and development hit 42.4 bln dinars (+8.9%), with most money going to the government sector and major shares to general knowledge, industrial production/technology, and agriculture. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign, StrikeShark, using a previously unknown SharkLoader to deploy Cobalt Strike, targeting organizations across multiple countries including Serbia. Bilateral Tech Projects: Serbia’s Finance Minister Sinisa Mali met France’s ambassador to discuss joint projects, including the Belgrade metro and supercomputers/data centres. Energy Transition Angle: A look at geothermal district heating highlights how Central Europe—near Serbia—could scale cleaner, steadier heat using existing networks. Governance Update: Serbia’s parliament adopted amendments to judiciary/prosecutorial laws, including changes to how appeals are handled within the High Prosecutorial Council. Local Tech & Industry: Kansai Helios says it will gradually relocate production from Zagreb to sites in Serbia and Slovenia.

Heatwave Watch: Europe is on high alert as a record-breaking killer heatwave spreads, with France reporting dozens of heat-linked deaths and Germany seeing road damage from buckling asphalt; Serbia is also in the mix as authorities brace for more disruptions. Public Trust & Politics: A BCSP survey says more than half of Serbians believe the country is on the wrong track, with trust in key institutions—especially police—falling sharply and influence concentrated around President Vučić and government, while organised crime is also widely seen as shaping decisions. Media & AI in News: The 2026 Digital News Report flags falling trust in news across Europe, “platformisation” of news consumption, and the growing role of AI in how news is produced and consumed. Judicial Reform: Serbia’s parliament adopted amendments to the “Mrdic Laws” to align with Venice Commission recommendations, including remaining staffing-related issues for prosecution bodies. AI Cooperation: Serbia became a founding member of WAICO, aiming to boost AI research, innovation projects, and knowledge-sharing. Cybersecurity: Citizen Lab reports Russia used Cellebrite phone-cracking tools on a dissident’s iPhone even after Cellebrite said it cut off Russia—raising questions about control over sold surveillance tech. Fintech for Serbia: Inspira Group and Nordic Bridge Capital launched the VIA platform plan for digital savings and long-term investments in Serbia, targeting availability in 2027.

AI & Cybersecurity: Cloudflare and major browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) are teaming up on a privacy-preserving web protocol using Private Access Control Tokens to prove a human is in the loop without invasive tracking, while separate reporting highlights fresh curl vulnerabilities and a new StrikeShark malware campaign that disguises itself as trusted Cisco AnyConnect/Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader and Cobalt Strike Beacon. Digital Finance: Inspira Group (Subotica) and Nordic Bridge Capital launched VIA, a planned 2027 digital savings and investment platform aimed at making long-term investing in Serbia easier via an app, website, and financial education. AI Governance: Serbia’s government adopted a conclusion making it a founding member of WAICO, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, to support joint research and innovation. Judicial Reform: Serbia’s Parliament adopted amendments to the “Mrdic Laws” judicial package, aligning parts with Venice Commission recommendations, including changes tied to high-tech crime and prosecution staffing. Aviation & Mobility: The Serbinfo Association kicked off a data survey to support a potential Nis–Milan airline route, targeting diaspora demand and travel needs. Energy/Industry: Beam Global said it will relocate manufacturing from California to Yuma, Arizona, while keeping its Belgrade and Kraljevo operations running. Climate Pressure: Europe’s unusually early heat wave is straining power grids and disrupting daily life, with Serbia among countries under heat warnings.

Cybersecurity: Researchers warn of “StrikeShark” malware spreading via fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers, with confirmed victims including Serbia—targeting government, diplomacy, and software firms. Smart Cities & AI: Riyadh and Tokyo discussed digital transformation and smart-city tech cooperation, including AI and data-driven urban services. IoT Hardware in Serbia: Quectel launched the FCM365X module (Wi‑Fi 6, BLE 5.4, Zigbee, Thread) to support interoperable smart-home and industrial IoT designs. Health & Biotech: Absci reported positive interim Phase 1 results for ABS-201, an anti-prolactin receptor antibody, with further trial steps planned through 2026–2027. Science & Biodiversity: An international expedition in SW Bulgaria collected ~300 butterfly species for Europe’s first large-scale genomic sequencing push. STEM Infrastructure in Nis: Serbia’s Science and Technology Park in Nis is nearing completion, with labs planned for electronics, mechatronics, robotics, and IT and tenant use starting in September. Energy Policy: Serbia is moving to amend its renewable energy law to speed up permits and improve transparency, coordination, and mapping for suitable sites. International Tech Diplomacy: Expo 2030 Riyadh and Expo 2027 Belgrade signed a knowledge-transfer agreement covering digital systems and operational readiness.