AGP Executive Report

Serbia’s Political Turn: President Aleksandar Vučić resigned to run for prime minister in the Oct. 25 snap parliamentary election, with Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić stepping in as acting president; in his final days he pardoned 49 people, including the “Novi Sad 12,” framing it as mercy ahead of the vote. Youth & Protests: The early election follows nearly two years of student-led unrest sparked by the 2024 Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse, with “Students Win” now challenging the ruling SNS. Kosovo War-Crimes Cases: Kosovo MPs adopted a statement of “deep concern” over Hague convictions of former KLA leaders, while Kosovo police arrested nine people in Zubin Potok in the “File 23” investigation tied to mass graves. Culture & Design: Expo 2027 Belgrade’s Compasso d’Oro 2027 design award opened submissions under “Design for Humanity at Play,” inviting projects across nine categories. Sports & Society: At Belgrade’s Marakana, children reportedly chanted in support of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, raising fresh alarms about how hate is passed to new generations. Work & Mobility: Germany confirmed that citizens of Serbia and five other Western Balkan countries can access its labour market without qualification checks under a special regulation.

Serbian Politics: Aleksandar Vučić formally resigned as President to lead the Serbian Progressive Party into early parliamentary elections on Oct. 25, with Ana Brnabić stepping in as acting president; the resignation comes alongside 49 pardons tied to last year’s protests after the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse, as the student-led “Students Win” movement presses its anti-corruption challenge. Election Culture & Media: A major TV debate on N1 put Brnabić face-to-face with opposition Student List candidate Mirjana Nikolić, drawing huge attention in a tense, polarised campaign. Education & Learning: A new Serbian-Croatian study warns that test scores reflect more than knowledge—shaped by question design, screen presentation, time pressure, and even facial reactions. Belgrade Festivals: City culture officials say Belgrade’s festival calendar is pushing toward “normalization,” pointing to Bitef/Belef and upcoming events like Bemus and Fest. Archaeology: Researchers report a much larger 6,800-year-old Vinča-era settlement in Vojvodina, suggesting a bigger population than previously thought.

Belgrade Culture Scene: City of Belgrade culture secretary Jelena Medaković says the year can still end on a high note for festivals, pointing to the successful run of Bitef and Belef and looking ahead to Bemus, Fest and the October Salon. Serbia’s Civic Oversight: BIRODI warns the National Assembly still hasn’t published whether the supervisory board for the election campaign has been formed, and calls for names and clear rules so monitoring can’t be delayed. Living Wage Debate: A new “Living Wage Day” push highlights the gap between Serbia’s living wage (about 154,000 dinars) and average pay, with many workers still falling short and poverty risk remaining high. Archaeology in Vojvodina: New research suggests the 6,800-year-old Vinča-linked settlement of Opovo Ugar-Bajbuk was far larger than thought, possibly supporting 700+ people. International Spotlight via Sport: Ireland’s Nations League double-header with Israel stays in focus, with calls for boycotts, player divisions, and the “home” leg moved to Serbia—turning football into a major culture-and-politics flashpoint. Citizenship and Controversy: Serbia grants citizenship to former Ukrainian MP Vadym Novynskyi, wanted in Ukraine on treason suspicion, raising fresh questions about expedited naturalization.

Citizenship & Identity: Serbia granted citizenship to former Ukrainian MP Vadym Novynskyi, wanted in Ukraine on suspicion of high treason, with the decision reportedly signed under an expedited “in the interests of the state” procedure. Archaeology & Heritage: New research suggests a 6,800-year-old Vinča-era settlement in Vojvodina was far larger than thought, covering over nine hectares and possibly housing 700+ people at its peak. Culture & Festivals: Belgrade’s culture secretary Jelena Medaković says the city’s festival year can still end on a high note, pointing to Bitef, Belef, March Festival and upcoming autumn events as key to keeping Belgrade’s “identity card” intact. Politics & Civic Oversight: BIRODI says Serbia’s supervisory body for the election campaign may not have been properly published yet, raising questions about who monitors campaign fairness and media access. Lifestyle & Work: A “living wage” debate highlights the gap between basic human-rights pay and what many in Serbia actually earn. Belgrade Crime & Campaign Tensions: A video of an ax attack on an SNS stand in Kula is spreading online, with conflicting claims about motives and prior harassment. AI & Youth: A new study links affective generative AI use with mental health problems among children and teens. International Spotlight (Sports): Ireland’s Israel Nations League fixtures continue to spark division and boycotts, with the “away” match in Serbia adding extra pressure.

Belgrade Culture: Jelena Medaković says this year can still end “successfully” for major festivals, pointing to Bitef/Belef, the March Festival and upcoming Bemus, Fest and October Salon as Belgrade’s “identity card.” Elections Oversight: BIRODI warns Serbia’s National Assembly has not yet published the decision on forming the Supervisory Board for the Oct. 25 election campaign, questioning whether it exists and urging immediate disclosure of members. Living Wage Pressure: “Living Wage Day” highlights the gap between a living wage of about 154,000 dinars and an average July salary of 121,000 dinars, with many workers far below even the minimum. War Memory & Justice: UDIK marks 34 years since the closure of the Sušica camp near Vlasenica, recalling detention of around 8,000 non-Serb civilians in 1992. Youth Activism in RS: Student List activists suspend campaigning in Republika Srpska, citing police obstruction and provocations; RS PM says rallies need police approval. Culture & Education: Serbia’s Expo 2027 “World in Serbia” programme and education ties feature in Marko Đurić’s UN diplomacy with Cabo Verde and Tunisia. AI & Teens: A study links affective generative AI use with mental health problems in children and teens. Festival Poetry: Athens hosts the 12th International Poetry Festival opening Sept. 28, framing poetry as a necessity amid crises and AI-driven distortions.

Athens Poetry Festival: The 12th Athens International Poetry Festival opens Sept. 28 at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall with “No Exit: Poems for Fragmented/No Exit Times,” pairing Greek and international voices with music and visuals, and framing poetry as a humanistic response to crisis and AI-shaped reality. Serbia Politics & Dialogue: Serbia’s first election TV debate ahead of Oct. 25 aired on N1, with Education as the stated topic but quickly turning into a clash over the Student List movement, media, universities, and the broader political climate. Campaign Disruptions in Republika Srpska: Student List activists say police obstruction and provocateurs forced them to suspend their Republika Srpska campaign, while RS PM Savo Minić says rallies can happen only with police approval. Kosovo Protests: Across Kosovo, crowds protested Hague war-crimes convictions of former KLA leaders, calling the verdicts unjust and demanding appeals. Local Violence Allegations: In Kula, a video of an ax attack on an SNS stand is spreading online; activists claim the attacker was detained and that months of harassment and institutional inaction helped trigger the incident. Education & Gender Debate: A controversial DM ad about girls “needing math” to calculate what it costs them to be women was pulled after backlash. AI & Youth Mental Health: A major study links affective generative AI use with mental health problems in children and teens, warning against treating AI as an emotional refuge.

Belgrade Politics & Culture: Serbia’s first election debate ahead of Oct. 25 aired on N1, with Ana Brnabić facing Mirjana Nikolić (Student List), quickly shifting from education to clashes over universities, media, and the student movement. Local Security & Protest: A viral video claims a man attacked an SNS stand in Kula with an axe, sparking fresh tensions ahead of the vote. Diplomacy & Education: Marko Đurić met Tunisia’s FM in New York, highlighting cooperation in culture and education and Tunisia’s role in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Sports, Identity & Boycotts: Ireland’s Gaza-linked stance is reshaping its football and Eurovision plans, with Nations League matches against Israel set in Hungary and Serbia amid protests and calls for players to boycott. Human Rights & Memory: A Council of Europe statement signed by Saša Magazinović condemns the glorification of Ratko Mladić at his funeral, including Serbia-linked institutional participation. Books & Learning: The Belgrade Book Fair returns Oct. 23–31, with a full programme of launches, talks, and panels. Work & Age Discrimination: A report highlights how women over 45 struggle to find jobs in Serbia, pointing to double discrimination by gender and age.

Belgrade Book Fair: The International Belgrade Book Fair returns 23–31 October at Belgrade Fair, with major Serbian and international authors plus lectures, launches and roundtables focused on literature and current social themes. Film & documentary culture: Astra Film Festival (Sibiu, 17–25 October) has announced its 2026 competition line-up across four sections, with 70+ documentaries and 200+ film events, plus education programming for young audiences. Sports, identity and protest: Ireland’s players and athletes face mounting calls to boycott matches against Israel in the Nations League, with the controversy spilling into public debate and open letters. Football shock in Belgrade: Greece beat Serbia 2–1 with late goals in the Nations League opener, turning the start of the campaign into a dramatic comeback. Romani cultural life: A new Romani Cultural Center opened in Belgrade to support Romani language, traditions, education and community dialogue. Tech for peacebuilding: RIT students in Serbia-linked creative circles are developing a peacebuilding video game, “Peaceland: Choose Your Memory,” built around choices after war. Lifestyle & space: Personal Warehouse is spotlighted for redefining “flex spaces” with light-filled, hybrid office-warehouse units near Belgrade’s Yellowstone Airport Park.

Belgrade Culture for Kids: The Belgrade Philharmonic is running two concerts a day for pre-schoolers until 2 October, adapting Saint-Saëns’ “Carnival of the Animals” with narration and the Voodoo Piano Duo. Poetry Weekend in the Capital: Belgrade hosts the 20th Festival of European Poetry “Get Up! Poetry!” (Sept 25–27), themed “From dislike to dislike,” bringing major European voices to the city. Theatre & Film Scene: The March Festival and the Yugoslav Drama Theatre’s new season kick off with Shakespeare’s “Richard the Second,” while coverage notes how the festival’s opening drew a quieter-than-expected crowd. Politics Meets Daily Life: A new issue of Vremena looks at the “lustration” debate and how Vučić’s campaign messaging is reaching voters through TV-focused tactics. International Diplomacy & Culture Links: Serbia’s caretaker FM Marko Đurić met Tunisia’s top diplomat in New York, discussing culture and education ties and Tunisia’s role in Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Sports, Identity, and Protest: Ireland–Israel Nations League fixtures keep sparking boycotts and public backlash, with the “home” leg scheduled in Serbia and the “away” leg in Hungary. Tech & Activism: A Belgrade MA student says Apple warned her about a targeted spyware attack tied to her activism and public role.

U.N. Spotlight on Serbia: Aleksandar Vučić used his UN General Assembly address to argue that international law has been “dismantled” for political interests, warning that pressure to “choose one side” is intensifying. Diplomacy & Culture: Belgrade’s Jubilee 20th Festival of European Poetry “Get Up! Poetry!” opens this weekend with the theme “From dislike to dislike,” bringing major European voices to the city. Theatre & Film Season: The March Festival and the new season at the Yugoslav Drama Theatre kick off with Shakespeare’s “Richard the Second,” while local debate continues over what audiences actually notice. Student Politics: Oliver Tošković, a leading figure of the Students’ List, says the movement’s focus is strengthening Serbian institutions and “healing society,” as questions grow about who will become ministers. Sports, Identity, and Tension: Ireland–Israel football controversy spills into the region, with Ireland’s matches involving Kosovo and Serbia becoming a flashpoint for protests and heated statements. Belgrade Nightlife with a Twist: EJE Belgrade opens in a Dorćol villa, blending Yugoslav modernism with a Japanese-style listening bar vibe. Church & Canon Law: The Ohrid Archbishopric rejects Constantinople’s claims over autocephaly, arguing the procedure must follow pan-Orthodox consensus.

Serbia’s Election Roadmap: Aleksandar Vučić is calling parliamentary elections for Oct. 25, with plans to resign as president on Sept. 27 and likely return as prime minister if his list wins—another chapter in a tightly managed political transition. Football & Politics Collide: Ireland’s Nations League games vs Israel are set to go ahead in neutral venues (Hungary and Serbia) behind closed doors, after coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said the team was “playing against genocide,” triggering a furious response from Israel’s FA and protests at home. Church Affairs: The Ohrid Archbishopric rejects Constantinople’s claims to unilaterally grant autocephaly, arguing the process belongs to the “mother church” and requires pan-Orthodox consensus. Culture on the Big Screen: Nenad Pavlović’s arthouse drama Wanderlust / Izlet has been selected as Serbia’s official Oscar contender for Best International Feature Film. Youth & Work: The ILO warns of a deepening global youth jobs crisis, with youth unemployment rising and more young people stuck in NEET status. Wellbeing & Community: Elio Fabbri’s social circus “Mission of Happiness” brings play and wellbeing projects to Belgrade schools in late September.

Serbia in the spotlight through film: Belgrade’s arthouse drama Wanderlust / Izlet (Nenad Pavlović) was chosen as Serbia’s official Oscar contender for Best International Feature, a Serbian/British coproduction about identity and life under a totalitarian shadow. Regional culture on the move: Montenegro’s Oscar bid is To Hold a Mountain / Planina, a documentary co-produced across several countries, defending nomadic herding traditions against a NATO training ground. Theatre & civic life: Serbia’s 2026/27 theatre season kicks off with premieres and events, including Belgrade Drama Theatre’s “Jagoš Week” honoring director Jagoš Marković. Diplomacy with a lifestyle angle: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić met Samoa’s deputy PM in New York, highlighting education cooperation and the “World in Serbia” scholarship programme. Sports, politics, and protest: Ireland–Israel Nations League fixtures are set for neutral venues—Hungary and Serbia—while Irish athletes and LGBTQ+ sportspeople call for a boycott amid Gaza-related outrage. Orthodox community ties: A Serbian Orthodox Church UOC parish in Vienna joined a cross procession, underscoring fraternal relations among Orthodox communities in Austria.

Serbia’s Academy Elections: SANU has set an election cycle for late October, with new members chosen in November, aiming to bring in more younger scientists and artists and to address weak women’s representation. Minority Rights: Serbia will hold elections for national minority councils on November 8, with 23 minorities participating and councils shaping education, culture, media and language use. Culture & Courts: Belgrade student protesters rallied outside the Special Court in support of witnesses in the “General Staff building” case, arguing cultural-heritage experts are under pressure. Football, Politics, and Protest: Ireland and Israel’s Nations League doubleheader is set for neutral venues (Hungary and Serbia), with reduced TV coverage and no tickets for Irish fans, as protests and sharp rhetoric continue. Art & Identity: Goran Bregović’s Balkan-style concert in Zurich highlighted how “locals” and “others” can swap roles in the audience experience. Youth Activism: A Brussels seminar on youth activism stressed building alliances with institutions and creating real online and offline spaces for young voices. International Culture Events: Azerbaijan’s “Taste of Planet” brought national cuisine and heritage to Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park. Religion: A Serbian Orthodox priest condemned the killing of a monk at Sviatohirsk Lavra as an anti-Christian act driven by human depravity.

Minority Rights & Education: Serbia will hold elections for national minority councils on November 8, with 23 minorities voting directly (Gorani and Russian via electoral assemblies), and councils shaping education, culture, information, and language use. Youth, Justice & Culture Heritage: University students rallied outside Belgrade’s Special Court in support of witnesses in the “General Staff” building case, where officials are accused of stripping the complex of cultural-asset status. UN & Regional Memory: UN chief António Guterres condemned ongoing glorification of Ratko Mladić, warning it undermines reconciliation and stability in Bosnia. Church Voices: Serbian Orthodox priest Siniša Buvač called the killing of monk Varsonofiy at Sviatohirsk Lavra an anti-Christian sin, urging people not to idolize ideologies. UNICEF & Child Protection: Serbia’s caretaker Justice Minister Nenad Vujic met UNICEF’s new chief Christina de Bruin to discuss juvenile justice reforms, including a juvenile justice unit and council. Food & Festivals: Azerbaijan’s “Taste of Planet” brought national cuisine to Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park, while a “Healthy food every day” nutrition program continues interactive school workshops across Serbia. Culture & Sports Diplomacy: EXPO 2027 Belgrade keeps building momentum with tennis star Jelena Janković named brand ambassador.

UNICEF & Juvenile Justice: Serbia’s caretaker Justice Minister Nenad Vujic met UNICEF chief Christina de Bruin in Belgrade, discussing new juvenile justice steps, including a planned juvenile justice unit and a re-established council for monitoring the system, plus a juvenile law update. Healthy Eating in Schools: The “Healthy food every day” nutrition workshops are rolling into new classrooms across Serbia for the new school year, with interactive lessons for fourth-graders on balanced meals, breakfast, fruit snacks, hydration and daily activity. Student List Campaign & Elections: Coverage highlights the “European Serbia” list’s push around the census and warnings that opposition parties must avoid ending up without seats after the Oct. 25 vote, as the Student List campaign frames itself as an anti-corruption, student-led alternative. Belgrade EXPO 2027 Build-up: Jelena Janković has been named an EXPO 2027 brand ambassador as Serbia prepares the 93-day event in Surčin, aiming at millions of visitors and major cultural programming. Culture & Public Life: Jelena Karleuša’s Lucani concert was cancelled after protests gathered outside the House of Culture, while film producer Srđan Dragojević continues a long legal fight with Serbia’s culture bodies over funding for his project “Škartov.” Serbia-Georgia Diplomacy: Bilateral consultations in Tbilisi reaffirmed cooperation in economy, culture and education, with Serbia stressing Georgia’s expected participation in Belgrade’s EXPO 2027.

Serbia Election Watch: With early parliamentary polls looming, parties have submitted candidate lists, including the SNS-led “Aleksandar Vučić – United Serbia” slate and the student-backed “Student List – Students Win,” while analysts map who’s on the ballot and who’s still negotiating. Environmental Activism: Protesters at “Red Line – Jadar-Homolje-Rakita-Bobija” demand a moratorium on state research and mining contracts, warning that gold exploration and new wind farms could damage eastern Serbia’s nature. Culture & Arts: Belgrade’s Bitef drama controversy grows after the sudden cancellation of Oliver Frljić’s “Black Gold,” with the theater citing actress illness and critics accusing political censorship. Diplomacy: Serbia and Georgia held bilateral consultations in Tbilisi, with both sides stressing cooperation in economy, culture, education, and next-year talks in Belgrade. Lifestyle & Cost of Living: A Europe-wide study puts Serbia among the mid-range for first-year baby essentials, estimating about €5,509.