AGP Executive Report

Ratko Mladić Funeral & EU Backlash: Serbia’s state-backed, military-style send-off for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade—led by Patriarch Porfirije and attended by senior officials—has triggered sharp EU criticism and renewed questions about Serbia’s EU path and its handling of the past. Politics & Elections: With Vučić dissolving parliament and calling snap elections for October 25, the funeral has also been framed inside Serbia as part of the wider campaign mood. Jewish Heritage in Focus: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić marked the centenary of Belgrade’s Sukat Shalom Synagogue, praising the community’s long cultural and social contribution. Art & Culture Abroad: Serbian American painter Dragana Crnjak’s “Forest” solo exhibition opens at the Medici Museum of Art in Ohio, exploring time, memory, perception and landscape. Film Festival: Fine Line Film Fest returns in Belgrade (Sept 18–20) with 23 short films across international and Balkan competitions. Sports & Paralympics: Serbian shooter Kristina Trifunović won gold at the WSPS Worlds in Changwon, while Mona Agarwal secured an LA28 quota place. Serbia in Space: Vučić said Serbia wants deeper involvement in the European space ecosystem, including cooperation with France and a structured relationship with ESA. Online Rights & Safety: UN Women warns AI could deepen inequality for women, while separate reporting highlights risks around spyware targeting activists and students. International Culture & Travel: UN General Assembly adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution (Equal Earth-style), and Serbia-related travel chatter includes ticket guidance for Germany vs Serbia UEFA Nations League matches.

Jewish Heritage in Focus: Serbia’s FM Marko Đurić marked the 100th anniversary of Belgrade’s Sukat Shalom Synagogue, praising the Jewish community’s role in science, culture, and national life. EU Accession Under Pressure: The Ratko Mladić funeral continues to spark backlash, with EU leaders and regional voices condemning Serbia’s “glorification” and questioning its EU path. Snap Elections Set: Serbia’s parliament is dissolved and elections are scheduled for October 25, with electoral-list rules and deadlines now moving into place. Church, Politics, and Fallout: Patriarch Porphyry’s role at the Mladić service draws calls for EU entry bans, while Montenegro prosecutors open a case over a Serbian Orthodox metropolitan’s remarks. Academic Life Under Strain: Staff at the University of Niš Faculty of Philosophy say reaccreditation is being used to pressure the institution, including concerns tied to Serbian Studies. Culture & Film: The 5th Fine Line Film Fest returns Sept. 18–20 in Belgrade with 23 short films and director Q&As. Digital Safety: A UNICEF-backed study highlights how many teens across Europe face online sexual exploitation, with Serbia included among the countries compared.

EU–Serbia Clash: EU leaders slammed Serbia over Ratko Mladić’s “shocking” hero-style funeral, saying it shows a failure to confront a dark past and contradicts EU values. Legal/Church Pressure: Montenegro prosecutors opened a case against Serbian Orthodox Metropolitan Metodije for praising Mladić as a “holy knight,” while Serbia’s own prosecutor reportedly moved against a church figure for glorification. Politics at Home: Serbia’s parliament was dissolved and snap elections were set for October 25, with Vučić urging campaigns to avoid violence. Online Safety: A UNICEF-backed study highlights how teenagers across countries, including Serbia, face technology-facilitated sexual abuse, with social media and messaging apps named as key channels. Culture & Identity: A debate continues over how Serbian history is portrayed in film, alongside coverage of Belgrade’s architecture scene and upcoming regional cultural events. International Ties: Serbia and Uzbekistan signed agreements on mobility and labor migration, deepening Central Asia links.

UN “Equal Earth” Map Vote: The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” resolution, encouraging use of the Equal Earth projection to show Africa’s true size; 164 countries supported it, with the US the only no and Serbia among the abstainers. Ratko Mladić Funeral Fallout: EU leaders condemned Serbia’s hero’s funeral for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, saying official support and senior attendance show a failure to confront the past; the backlash is also spilling into diplomacy, with Bosnia expelling Serbian embassy officials and suspending regional cooperation plans. Children Online Safety: A UNICEF-focused report warns that around 20 million children experienced online sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with social media and gaming platforms playing major roles and reporting to authorities staying extremely low. Workplace Corruption: A new commentary spotlights “workplace corruption” as a hidden, everyday problem where workers face pressure to stay silent or risk their jobs. Serbia–Uzbekistan Cultural Ties: Serbia and Uzbekistan exchanged multiple agreements, including a culture cooperation programme for 2026–2028 and a cinematographic cooperation deal. LGBT Rights Push: An LGBT activist argues same-sex unions should be legally recognized in Serbia, stressing practical protections without threatening others.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly backed the Equal Earth projection (164-1), with Serbia among the six abstainers, reigniting debates about how “flat” maps shape history and power. LGBT Rights & Law: LGBT activist Helena Vuković says same-sex unions should be legally registered in Serbia to handle practical issues like inheritance, arguing it won’t threaten others. Mladic Funeral Fallout: Ratko Mladić’s Belgrade burial with military honours drew sharp EU condemnation, with Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa calling images “shocking” and warning it clashes with EU values; Bosnia also moves to cut diplomatic presence. Regional Church Scrutiny: Montenegro prosecutors opened a case against a Serbian Orthodox bishop for praising Mladić during a service, citing incitement of hatred. Culture & Education: Chinese Cinema screenings bring Yugoslav classics like “The Bridge” to Serbian audiences, while RT Academy announced a free online South Asia journalism course. Local Culture Scene: Bitef’s “no:Bitef” returns as a civil-disobedience-style festival across 60 Belgrade locations.

Cartography & Education: The UN backed the “Correct the Map” push, endorsing the Equal Earth projection to better show Africa’s true size, with Serbia among the abstainers—another reminder that how we draw the world shapes what we believe. Serbian Orthodox Culture & Community: In Sydney, the Greek-Serbian Orthodox & Cultural Friendship Day returns on Sept. 20 with liturgy, food stalls, and traditional dance—an upbeat bridge between faith and heritage. Film Industry Watch: After NAFFIT ended, filmmakers are still waiting on promised Film Center of Serbia competition announcements, raising fresh concerns about stalled funding cycles. Belgrade Funeral Fallout: Thousands attended the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić in Belgrade, led by Patriarch Porfirije and marked with military honours—sparking EU warnings about glorification and deepening divisions at home and abroad. Politics & Protests: Serbia’s PM proposed dissolving parliament for early elections, seen as a bid to tighten control after months of unrest. International Ties: Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev visited Belgrade with state-level ceremony and new cooperation talks, including labor-mobility plans.

War & Memory in Belgrade: Thousands gathered at St. Luke Church and later Topčider Cemetery to bid farewell to convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladić, with Serbian Orthodox Patriarch Porfirije leading services, military honours, flags, and large crowds—scenes that drew sharp EU condemnation over “glorification” and prompted cancelled visits and warnings from Brussels. Regional Culture & Identity: Reports from Republika Srpska show how Mladić is still framed by many locals as a defender of Serb rights, with memorials and public tributes reigniting old divisions. Belgrade Pride 25 Years: Activists marked 25 years of Pride in Belgrade with renewed calls for legal recognition of same-sex unions and stronger protection against hate and police violence, linking the moment to broader threats to human rights. UN Map Reform: The UN backed a “Correct the Map” push to use projections that better reflect Africa’s true size, a move aimed at reshaping how children and the public visualize the world. Tech & Security Backdrop: Separate coverage highlights ongoing controversy around spyware allegations targeting Serbian students and activists.

LGBTQ Visibility in Belgrade: Belgrade held its Sept. 5 Pride March with thousands of people and allies, rainbow flags and messages like “There Is Room for Us All” and “Visibility is not propaganda,” while organizers warned of threats and unmet demands amid rising attacks. Ratko Mladic Funeral Fallout: The Sept. 7 burial of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic in Belgrade is already reshaping public life, from a Sept. 5 Army Hall commemoration to reports of state and church framing that critics say sanitizes genocide language. EU Scrutiny Over Surveillance: An EU Greens MEP called Serbia’s alleged spyware against students and activists a criminal attack on democracy, urging a clear EU response. Culture Exchange in Leskovac: The Greek “Arnaia Wedding” brought Aristotelia folklore to Serbia, with traditional textiles, music, and a symbolic ceremony led by a priest. Film Spotlight: Manaki Brothers 2026 announced its competition lineup, including Serbian and regional co-productions and a major honor for Danish cinematographer Dan Laustsen. UN Map Debate With Serbia in the Mix: The UN backed “Correct the Map,” promoting equal-area projections; Serbia abstained, while India stressed that any depiction must match its official territory. UNICEF Child Safety Alert: A UNICEF report says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse or exploitation, with Serbia included in the research.

UN Cartography & Representation: The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” push, endorsing the Equal Earth projection to better reflect Africa’s true size and reduce Mercator-era distortions; the vote was 164–1, with the U.S. opposing and Serbia among six abstentions. Diplomacy & Borders: India also weighed in, saying any UN map must depict Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh according to India’s official position, warning against “inaccurate” or “misleading” depictions. Serbia’s Cultural-Political Flashpoint: In Belgrade, a commemoration for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić drew controversy amid EU criticism over alleged glorification, as his remains returned with military honours and the debate spills into regional politics. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports 20 million children faced online sexual abuse or exploitation in one year, with Eastern and Southern Africa topping exposure rates. Travel Lifestyle Update: Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from Sept. 15, affecting travellers from dozens of countries including Serbia-linked visa-on-arrival rules. Media Rights: SafeJournalists says Meta must clarify unexplained restrictions hitting media and public-interest accounts on Instagram/Facebook in Albania.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly adopted Togo’s “Correct the Map” resolution, backing equal-area projections like Equal Earth over the centuries-old Mercator. The vote was 164-1, with the U.S. the only no, and Serbia among six abstentions (Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Ukraine). The change is framed as “cognitive justice,” arguing Mercator has long visually minimized Africa. EU-Serbia Tensions: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a planned Serbia visit after the death of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, citing “glorification.” Regional Culture & Society: UNICEF reports 20 million children worldwide faced online sexual abuse/exploitation in one year; Europe and Central Asia, including Serbia, is listed at the lowest surveyed rate (8%). Local Governance: Coventry’s City of Culture Trust trustees were found guilty of misconduct and mismanagement by the Charity Commission, while the council defends its own due diligence on a £1m loan. Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s president is set to visit Serbia on Sept. 7–8 for talks and a business forum.

UN Map Reform: The UN General Assembly backed the “Correct the Map” resolution, urging wider use of the Equal Earth equal-area projection so Africa appears in more accurate proportions, while North America and Europe look smaller; 164 countries voted for, the US voted against, and Serbia abstained. EU-Serbia Culture & Memory Clash: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a planned Serbia visit over concerns about “glorification” tied to the return and planned burial of convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladić, a move already sparking condemnation across the Balkans. War-Crimes Reckoning in Belgrade: Mladić’s remains were flown to Serbia and a ceremonial schedule is set, with reports of state-military honours being withheld amid regional anger and debate over how Serbia remembers the past. Diplomacy & Education Links: Serbia’s Marko Đurić met Sudan’s foreign minister, discussing cooperation in agriculture and education, scholarships under “World in Serbia,” and Sudan’s participation in Expo 2027. Digital Rights & Youth Safety Context: A week of coverage also highlighted Serbia-linked concerns about spyware targeting student activists and broader warnings about online sexual abuse of children, keeping culture-and-lifestyle audiences focused on rights, safety, and civic life.

EU Accession & Digital Rights: 29 European Parliament members want Serbia’s EU entry slowed over alleged state-linked Pegasus/NoviSpy spyware targeting Serbian student activists and opposition ahead of elections, urging investigations and consequences. War Crimes & Public Memory: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos canceled a Serbia visit after Ratko Mladić’s body returned to Belgrade amid pro-Mladić “glorification” scenes; Serbia’s handling is drawing sharp EU criticism as the funeral approaches. Srebrenica Context: Coverage revisits Srebrenica’s siege and massacre timeline as Mladić’s death renews debate over genocide recognition and reconciliation. Culture & Heritage: Bulgaria’s 25th National Folklore Festival for Two-Part Singing opened with international participation including Serbia, spotlighting tradition as identity. Global Education & Maps: The UN General Assembly endorsed a new “Equal Earth” world map to portray Africa’s size more accurately, with Serbia among abstainers. Lifestyle Tragedy: An inquest in London heard that a Croydon nursery worker died from complications after gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey, with an emergency landing in Belgrade. Sports & Culture: Montenegro’s EXIT Sea Dance drew major names and large crowds, reinforcing the region’s festival culture.

EU–Serbia Tensions: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a planned Serbia visit after Ratko Mladić’s death, citing the “glorification” around his return and warning it clashes with EU values. War Crimes & Public Memory: Mladić’s body arrived in Belgrade from The Hague on a government plane, with state-style honours and supporters gathering along the route ahead of a Monday burial at Topčider cemetery—sparking outrage in Bosnia and renewed debate over genocide denial and reconciliation. Digital Rights Under Pressure: A new EU reaction followed forensically verified Pegasus spyware on phones of Serbia’s anti-regime student movement; the European Commission said illegal access to citizens and political opponents would be unacceptable if confirmed. Culture & Community: Belgrade and Novi Sad will host the State Academic Choir Glinka (23 Sept in Belgrade, 22 Sept in Novi Sad), bringing centuries of Russian choral tradition to Serbia. Lifestyle & Music Tourism: EXIT’s Montenegro festivals drew about 150,000 attendees across Ulcinj and Budva, boosted by a push for music tourism.

Spyware & Digital Rights: Serbian student activists, opposition figures, and lawmakers say they were targeted with advanced mercenary spyware, including Pegasus via an iMessage “zero-click” exploit and a NoviSpy variant; Serbia’s BIA denies the claims as “trivial sensationalism,” while Citizen Lab and Amnesty say infections were forensically confirmed. War Crimes & Memory: Ratko Mladić’s body returned to Belgrade from The Hague with military honours, as pro-government media reported large public ceremonies and EU officials criticized plans to glorify him. Culture & Performance: Tickets opened for the State Academic Choir Glinka (Belgrade, 23 Sept; Novi Sad, 22 Sept), and Belgrade/Novi Sad audiences are set for a major international choral moment. Film & Storytelling: Venice Film Festival highlights include Lithuania’s VR entry “Eyes of Shame,” and the WWII spy thriller “Fortitude” (Nicolas Cage as Serbian spy Dusko Popov) released its first trailer. Youth Safety Online: UNICEF warns that around 20 million children face online sexual abuse or exploitation each year, with social media driving many cases. Archaeology: A Late Roman private bath complex was uncovered inside a tower at the Vrelo–Šarkamen fortified palace site in eastern Serbia.

Spyware & Elections: Serbia’s student and opposition activists say they were targeted by advanced spyware in 2026, with SHARE Foundation and Citizen Lab reporting Pegasus infections and other malware hits timed around March local elections. Digital Child Safety: UNICEF estimates about 20 million internet-using children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced online sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with nearly 60% of cases linked to social media. War Crimes & Public Memory: Serbian President Vučić says Ratko Mladić’s body will be flown to Serbia, as authorities prepare for tens of thousands at a funeral planned with “highest military and state honors,” reopening fierce debates over remembrance and responsibility. Security & EU Crossings: Serbian prosecutors detain suspects in an “organised group” accused of moving explosives and drones into EU countries, after explosives were found near a pipeline on the Hungary border. Culture & Performance: Greece’s “Medea,” starring Karyofyllia Karabeti and directed by Nikita Milivojević, concludes its tour with final performances in Attica.

Online Child Safety: UNICEF estimates about 20 million internet-using children across 21 countries faced sexual exploitation or abuse on digital platforms in one year, with most cases on social media; Serbia is among the surveyed countries. Digital Rights & Activism: Serbian civil society says it was hit by mercenary spyware ahead of elections, with SHARE Foundation reporting 14 targeted people and Citizen Lab confirming a Pegasus infection on a student activist’s phone; authorities deny state involvement. Civic Accountability: Thousands marched in Belgrade and Novi Sad on Sept. 1 demanding justice for the 16 victims of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse, calling for transparent end-to-end responsibility. Film & Pop Culture: The documentary “Yugo Goes to America” begins cinema screenings in Serbia from Sept. 3, following millennials on a road trip in the iconic Yugo. Arts & Literature: Belarusian writer Uladzimir Arlou is a finalist for Poland’s Angelus Central European Literature Award 2026, with Serbian author Milena Marković also shortlisted. Housing & Lifestyle: A report highlights Belgrade’s affordability squeeze as rents consume a large share of salaries, while construction booms without solving residents’ needs.