AGP Executive Report

Tokenized collectibles in Serbia: Solflare launched Solflare Packs with Belgrade-based Collector Crypt, letting users buy, open, trade, hold, or redeem physical graded trading cards via Solana wallet NFTs. EV charging law in the works: Serbia is preparing a Draft Law on alternative-fuels infrastructure; public debate runs until June 25, with about 230 public chargers currently available for roughly 7,200 registered EVs. Belgrade Expo 2027 boost: President Vučić said Chinese badminton legend Lin Dan will promote Belgrade’s EXPO 2027, aiming to raise the event’s global profile. Crypto firm under scrutiny: Libertas GH’s business-rescue process faces growing investor pressure over alleged missing funds and shifting explanations, with claims ranging from regulatory breaches to Ponzi-style behavior. Military transparency concerns: SIPRI-linked reporting says Serbia’s arms imports have surged, with China the biggest supplier, while analysts warn key contract details and strategy remain opaque. Ubisoft cuts hit Serbia: Ubisoft reportedly plans to close studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade and cut up to 380 jobs, as part of a broader restructuring. Architecture for heat resilience: University of Belgrade research highlights passive cooling design—orientation, shading, cross-ventilation, night cooling, and thermal-mass materials—to reduce overheating risks. Russians fast-tracked for citizenship: RFE/RL reports Serbia has granted citizenship to many Russians via an expedited “national interest” route, including people under US sanctions, raising EU security concerns.

EV Charging Law Draft: Serbia is preparing a draft law to regulate alternative-fuels infrastructure, with public consultation open until June 25; the plan targets harmonizing rules with the EU and easing local permitting for chargers, as the country currently has about 230 public charging points for EVs. Climate-Ready Architecture: A Belgrade architecture expert outlines “anti-heat” building design basics—solar gain control via orientation and shading, plus natural cross-ventilation and night cooling, supported by insulation and thermal-mass materials. Serbia–Angola Tech & ICT Deals: President João Lourenço’s Serbia visit ended with 10 signed instruments spanning finance, transport, environment, industry, and information/communication technologies, while he also toured Serbia’s Military Technical Institute and Vlatacom’s systems integration capabilities. Belgrade’s Russian Citizenship Fast-Track: RFE/RL reports Serbia has granted citizenship to far more Russians than other foreigners this year, including people under US and Ukrainian sanctions, raising EU security concerns. Ubisoft Studio Closures (Belgrade Included): Ubisoft is shutting down its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios and cutting up to 380 jobs as part of a broader restructuring, with Barcelona also shifting focus to Rainbow Six. Media Literacy Push: A BIRN-backed report says Serbia and the Western Balkans need stronger skills and platform transparency so 18–30-year-olds can better spot online misinformation.

Serbia–Angola Tech & Industry Push: President João Lourenço wrapped up a three-day Serbia visit after signing 10 agreements spanning finance, transport, environment, agriculture, industry and commerce, plus information and communication technologies and postal cooperation—aimed at boosting private investment. Defense & Systems Collaboration: Lourenço also toured Serbia’s Military Technical Institute and visited Vlatacom, a firm focused on advanced technological systems, as both sides discuss stronger connectivity including a direct air link. AI & Digital Skills for Youth: A BIRN report says Western Balkan institutions and media need to do more to help 18–30-year-olds spot online fakes, while platforms should raise transparency and standards. Media Accountability: Demostat says RTS prime-time news (Dnevnik 2) underplays student activism and rarely takes a critical look at domestic politics, focusing criticism mainly on the EU. Energy Deal Watch: Serbia says it won’t block the NIS sale as Gazprom–MOL talks near a US deadline, with OFAC extending the window to June 16. Cyber/Info Security Angle: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut urged regional unity via SEECP to tackle cyber threats, hybrid risks, and cross-border emergencies. Local Tech Business: Microshare expanded its EverSmart™ AI-powered pest and cleaning suites with 31 new languages, including Serbian, to support multilingual operations. EU Rights Ruling: The European Court of Human Rights condemned Serbia for banning Falun Gong protests.

AI & Robotics in Europe: Nebius and Nvidia launched a “Physical AI Living Lab” in London, giving European robotics startups a six-month programme with Nvidia tools, Nebius AI cloud infrastructure, and direct engineer support. Digital Trust & Media Literacy: A BIRN report says Western Balkan youth (18–30), including in Serbia, need more skills to spot online fakes, while platforms should raise transparency and standards. Energy & Sanctions Watch: Serbia says it won’t block the planned sale of Russia’s majority stake in NIS; talks between Gazprom and Hungary’s MOL are progressing, with a US approval step and a June 16 deadline. Bilateral Tech & ICT Cooperation: Serbia and Angola signed 10 legal instruments during President João Lourenço’s visit, including deals covering finance, transport, environment, agriculture, private investment, and information technologies and mass media. EU Enlargement Politics: A European Parliament rapporteur links Serbia–Montenegro tensions to the “Serbian World” agenda and warns Serbia still lags on EU accession criteria like rule of law and media freedom. Local Product Localization: Microshare expanded its EverSmart™ pest and clean AI data solutions by adding 31 languages, including Serbian, aiming to boost adoption across Europe and Asia. Sports Diplomacy: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut pushed regional unity at a SEECP summit, highlighting cooperation against cyber threats and hybrid risks. Defense Industry Visit: Angola’s president toured Serbia’s Military Technical Institute and Vlatacom, focusing on defense production and integration of advanced technological systems. US Relations: Vučić told Fox News Digital that support for the US has “surged” under Trump and invited him to visit Belgrade. Business & Jobs: Ubisoft is closing two more studios, including Belgrade, with layoffs reported up to 380 people.

AI & Fraud Awareness: Visa’s Stay Secure study in Qatar finds 90% of consumers use AI for shopping help (price checks, gift ideas, ratings), but only 28% trust AI agents to complete checkout—while 81% expect AI to play a key role in future fraud protection. Energy Deal Watch (Serbia): Serbia says it won’t block the planned sale of Russia’s majority stake in NIS; Energy Minister Dubravka Djedović Handanović says Gazprom and MOL have most issues settled, with a June 16 deadline tied to US approval and a focus on keeping fuel supply stable. EU Accession Politics: EP rapporteur Tonino Picula argues Serbia’s tensions with Montenegro stem from the “Serbian World” agenda and says Serbia still lags on democracy, rule of law, anti-corruption, and media freedom—warning it may not qualify for EU Growth Plan funding. AI Localization for Field Ops: Microshare expanded its EverSmart™ Pest and Clean AI suites with 31 new languages (including Serbian), aiming to reduce friction for multilingual technicians and compliance teams across Europe and Asia. Digital Public Services: The Post of Serbia launched eMailCarrier, a 24/7 eGovernment mailbox service for secure delivery of invoices and notifications with tracking and delivery confirmation. Renewables Incentives Expire: Serbia reports that over 60 small power plants have lost privileged feed-in status since 2022, affecting about 36 MW total capacity, with small hydropower the biggest group. Serbia–Angola Tech & ICT Cooperation: Serbia and Angola signed 10 agreements, including on double taxation, investment protection, and cooperation in ICT and digitalization, with both sides pushing for stronger private investment and possible direct air links.

Serbia–Angola Push: President João Lourenço met Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade and backed a “new stage” for ties, with 10 signed agreements covering double-tax relief, investment protection, air services, and cooperation in agriculture, environment, and ICT—plus a push for bigger private investment in higher education, food, digitalization, tourism, and even defense. Diplomacy & Tech Focus: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić also met Angola’s FM Téte António, stressing Angola’s non-recognition stance on Kosovo and pointing to ICT and digitalization as key areas where economic links should catch up with political closeness. Energy Deal Watch: Serbia’s Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Djedović Handanović said talks on selling the majority Russian stake in NIS are progressing, with Gazprom Neft and MOL given 10 days to finalize—while Serbia says it will not block the transaction and aims to protect supply and keep the Pančevo refinery running. Digital Services at Home: Post of Serbia launched eMailCarrier, a 24/7 eGovernment mailbox service for invoices and notifications with delivery tracking and confirmations via email/SMS/Viber.

Digital Serbia: Post of Serbia has started rolling out eMailCarrier, a new eGovernment-based service for secure electronic delivery of invoices and notifications to a single eMailbox, with delivery confirmations and tracking via email/SMS/Viber. Energy Market Shift: More than 60 Serbian power plants have lost their privileged feed-in producer status since 2022, with small hydropower the biggest group, raising questions about their future on the market. Serbia–India Tech Ties: Serbia’s foreign ministry secretary general Dusan Kozarev met India’s ambassador Abhishek Shukla, highlighting IT cooperation potential and India’s continued non-recognition of Kosovo’s unilateral independence. Nuclear Debate in Serbia: A new push around small modular reactors follows claims Serbia received Chinese offers for faster builds and training, while experts warn the tech is hard to implement under IAEA rules. International Partnerships: Angola’s President João Lourenço begins a three-day visit to Belgrade, aiming to revive strategic cooperation across economic, telecom, social and security areas. Workforce Signals: Infostud reports around 60% of Serbian employees plan to change jobs within a year, pointing to low loyalty and engagement.

Serbia–China Tech Push: Serbia’s manufacturing is getting a “Chinese brain” upgrade, with Chinese tech transfer tied to industrial upgrading and digital transformation after the China–Serbia Free Trade Agreement. Nuclear Debate: Serbia’s nuclear plans are now also being framed around small modular reactors, after President Vučić said China offered fast-build SMR projects with training—while experts warn it’s unrealistic and may face limits from the IAEA. Digital IT Cooperation: Serbia plans to expand Rosatom-linked digital and IT company presence, aiming at more innovation and advanced tech solutions. EU Enlargement Focus: At the EU–Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, leaders pushed faster accession, linking enlargement to security and stability across the region. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo held another snap election amid gridlock; preliminary results point to Vetëvendosje leading, while Srpska Lista says it won all Serb seats in Serb-majority areas. Workforce Mood in Serbia: An Infostud survey finds about 60% of Serbian employees want to change jobs within a year, with low loyalty and engagement. Belgrade–India IT Links: Serbia’s foreign ministry met India’s ambassador, highlighting opportunities in information technologies and deeper economic cooperation.

UN Peacekeeping: The UN marked the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, honoring 4,500+ fallen blue helmets over 78 years, with António Guterres awarding the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to 68 peacekeepers and noting fresh danger after a UNIFIL death in Lebanon. Serbia-China Tech Push: Serbia says Rosatom wants to expand its digital and IT presence, while a “Chinese brain” production platform at a Niš auto-parts plant highlights deeper Chinese tech transfer under the China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement. Aviation Ground Tech: A new forecast puts the global ground support equipment market on track for $14.2B by 2032, driven by airport expansion and the shift toward greener electric equipment. EU Enlargement & Security: EU leaders at a Western Balkans summit in Montenegro stressed enlargement as a security necessity; Serbia’s path to the EU is again framed as requiring clear alignment. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo opened polls for another snap election amid institutional deadlock, with frustration growing after repeated votes.

Serbia–China Tech Push: Serbia is leaning harder into Chinese technology transfer and industrial digitalization, with the “Chinese brain” platform now monitoring production in a Niš auto-parts plant and new investment deals following President Vučić’s China visit. Energy & Industry: Rosatom says it wants a stronger business presence in Serbia, while the Alibunar wind farm project has completed a sale that brings Chinese control and modern turbines to southern Banat. EU Tech & Security Context: At the EU–Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, leaders framed enlargement as both an economic boost and a security necessity, with Montenegro signaling EU accession “within reach” and Serbia facing pressure to choose its direction. Kosovo Politics (Tech-adjacent impact): Kosovo opened polls for a third snap election in just over a year as institutional deadlock persists, keeping uncertainty high for regional planning and investment. Local Innovation & Finance: Serbian crypto platform Veli sold its AI-style investment software “autopilot” to Danish fintech Penning, aiming to plug Serbian tech into the EU’s MiCA-regulated market. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Serbia also advanced cooperation talks with the UAE, Switzerland, and Argentina, including areas like innovation, IT, and science.

Kosovo Snap Vote: Polls opened June 7 for Kosovo’s third parliamentary election in 16 months as voter frustration rises amid a stalled political system and repeated failures to form stable majorities. Serbia–China Tech Transfer: A Xinhua report highlights Serbia’s deepening cooperation with China after Vucic’s visit, with firms adopting Chinese automation and a “Chinese brain” digital monitoring system in manufacturing. EU Enlargement Push in Montenegro: EU and Western Balkan leaders met in Tivat, with Montenegro signaling EU accession “within reach” by 2028, while security concerns included turning away 87 Serbian nationals. UAE–Serbia Partnership: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut met UAE officials, stressing CEPA’s role in boosting trade and investment, plus cooperation in AI, cybersecurity, smart cities, and digital transformation. Serbia Crypto Software Deal: Serbian fintech Veli sold its crypto investment “autopilot” software and source-code license to Danish MiCA-licensed Penning, aiming to scale EU users. Lithium Supply Chain: A Europe-wide push to build local lithium processing and recycling capacity is framed as a way to cut reliance on China—relevant to Serbia’s battery and critical-minerals ambitions.

Serbia–China Tech Push: A “Chinese brain” digital platform is helping Serbian factories monitor production in real time, reflecting a wider wave of Chinese tech transfer, industrial upgrading and digital transformation tied to recent investment deals. UAE–Serbia Partnership: Prime Minister Đuro Macut met UAE FNC Speaker Saqr Ghobash, with both sides pointing to CEPA (in force since June 2025) and prioritizing renewable energy, food security, logistics, smart cities, AI and cybersecurity. Serbia–Switzerland Innovation: Macut also met Swiss Ambassador Anne Lugon-Moulin, highlighting a 2026–2029 cooperation programme focused on education, innovation, sustainable development and high-tech in pharmacy. Crypto Software Export: Serbian fintech Veli sold its crypto investment “autopilot” system and source-code license to Danish MiCA-licensed Penning, aiming to bring Serbia-built portfolio tech into the EU market. Energy & Clean Tech: The Alibunar wind farm project in Banat (168 MW) was officially sold, with Chinese SANY turbines planned to supply tens of thousands of households. EU Enlargement Context: At the EU–Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, leaders discussed accession momentum and security concerns, while Serbia was urged to choose a clear future direction.

EU Enlargement Summit: EU and Western Balkan leaders met in Montenegro’s Tivat to push enlargement, with officials saying Montenegro is “within reach” of EU membership by 2028 and a working group drafting an accession treaty. Serbia’s EU Choice: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told Serbia it must decide between Europe and “swinging” between Russia and China, while Serbia’s leaders reiterated EU reforms as the strategic goal. Tech & Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign ministry officials met counterparts in Buenos Aires and Beijing, highlighting cooperation in information technology, science, and defense-linked R&D. Crypto Software Export: Serbian fintech Veli sold its crypto portfolio “autopilot” system and source-code license to Danish firm Penning, aiming to plug Serbian-developed tech into EU-regulated markets. Energy Tech Deal: Chinese-backed SANY Renewable Energy completed a takeover of Serbia’s Alibunar wind farm project (168 MW), positioning the site to supply tens of thousands of households. Lithium Supply Chain: Europe’s lithium push is moving ahead with new pilot processing plants for mining and battery recycling, targeting reduced dependence on China. Korea-Serbia Trade: South Korea and Serbia signed a CEPA, cutting tariffs on 90% of traded items and boosting access for chips, EVs, and auto parts.

World Environment Day 2026: Azerbaijan hosted global climate warnings as UN chief António Guterres urged faster emissions cuts, methane action, and adaptation ahead of a likely temporary overshoot of 1.5°C. EU Enlargement & Security: EU-Western Balkans leaders met in Montenegro’s Tivat, with Montenegro pushing for accession momentum while a security dispute saw 87 Serbian nationals turned away over alleged summit risks. Serbia’s EU direction: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told Serbia to “decide” between the EU and non-EU poles, warning against swinging between Russia, China and Europe. Lithium supply chain: Europe is bringing online pilot processing plants for “sovereign” lithium, including hard-rock and geothermal extraction plus battery recycling—key for EV batteries and reduced dependence on China. Serbia–Korea trade deal: South Korea and Serbia signed a CEPA, removing tariffs on 90% of traded items and boosting cooperation in chips, EVs, and auto parts. Serbia–U.S. tech cooperation: Serbia’s diplomacy highlighted a long Serbia–U.S. relationship while pointing to future partnership areas including information technology and science. Energy project change in Banat: The Alibunar wind farm (168 MW) sale was completed, with Chinese-backed SANY taking majority control to supply clean power across southern Banat. Belgrade water emergency: City officials declared a water emergency after two wells went offline, saying drinking water remains safe. Serbian fintech export: Domestic startup Veli sold its crypto portfolio management system and source-code license to Danish fintech Penning, aiming to bring “autopilot” investing tech into the EU under MiCA rules.

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.