AGP Executive Report

Civic Space: PUF says two activists were detained in Zrenjanin while trying to question officials at a Vučić rally; it also alleges police restricted movement and pushed attendees and journalists. Belgrade Culture: The city has reassigned several cultural-institution leaders, continuing a long-running system of appointing acting directors without open competitions. Book Fair: Publishers LOM and Laguna say they will stay away this year over unfavorable terms. Their news comes as Serbian readers celebrate Anne Carson’s Literature Nobel, while some of her translated books are hard to find. Independent Arts: The free Blacklist festival begins October 14, bringing theatre, film, poetry, music and discussion to more than 25 Serbian cities. Organizers say it supports artists facing pressure and lost funding. Serbian Film: Filip Grujić and Aleksa Borković’s Yugo Goes to America is among 12 titles announced for Cairo International Film Festival’s international competition. Cultural Exchange: Belgrade’s Confucius Institute marked 20 years of Chinese-language teaching and cultural ties, with 16 teaching sites across three Serbian cities.

Cultural Exchange: Western Outlands Research Institute chair Angel Dzhonev says Serbia denied him entry on national-security grounds as he travelled to a Bosilegrad cultural centre anniversary event. Books: Major publishers are staying away from this year’s Belgrade Book Fair over its terms. LOM is among them, promoting new Serbian translations and online discounts; Anne Carson’s Nobel win has also renewed attention to her books available in Serbian. Arts and Dissent: The free Blacklist festival will bring theatre, film, music and poetry to more than 25 Serbian cities from October 14 to 21, supporting artists who say they have faced pressure and lost funding or work. Belgrade’s Cultural Institutions: The city has reshuffled acting directors at several institutions, continuing a pattern of appointments made without open competitions. Cultural Ties: Belgrade’s Confucius Institute marked 20 years of Serbian-Chinese exchange, with 16 teaching sites across three Serbian cities.

Independent Arts: The Blacklist festival will bring free theatre, film, poetry, music and forums to more than 25 Serbian cities from October 14 to 21. Organised by artists who say they have lost work and funding after criticising the government, it aims to support creative freedom. Literature: Canadian writer Anne Carson won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature; several of her books have Serbian translations. As major publishers skip the Belgrade Book Fair over its conditions, Laguna is taking new releases to its bookstores around the country. Cultural Funding: A new analysis says Serbia’s Culture Ministry backed 953 projects with 470 million dinars this year, including 45 projects it describes as suspicious; results from some competitions are still unpublished. Regional Theatre: Serbia will be represented at the Balkan Theatre Festival in Bulgaria, November 1–7, with seven productions from five countries exploring freedom, memory and social pressure. Cultural Exchange: Belgrade’s Confucius Institute marked 20 years of Chinese-language teaching and cultural exchange. It now runs 16 teaching sites in three Serbian cities.

Homelessness: Ahead of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, aid groups estimate about 20,000 people are homeless in Serbia, including at least 4,000 in Belgrade. They say shelters are scarce and often full, while a national social-protection strategy remains overdue. Culture Funding: Serbia’s independent cultural scene association says the Culture Ministry’s grant process has been delayed and some results remain unpublished. Its analysis also questions 45 projects awarded a combined 59.45 million dinars. Cultural Exchange: Belgrade’s Confucius Institute marked 20 years of Chinese-language teaching and cultural ties. It now runs 16 teaching sites across three Serbian cities. Books: Major publishers are skipping the Belgrade Book Fair over its terms. Laguna and Delphi are instead promoting new releases through bookstores across Serbia, including a new edition of Srđan Valjarević’s Komo and Dušan Petričić’s illustrated portrait of Belgrade.

Gender and Public Life: A Pančevo councilor says years of pressure escalated when an SNS official wore a T-shirt bearing her image and a sexist slogan; opposition colleagues walked out in protest. Homelessness: Serbian aid groups estimate about 20,000 people are homeless, while the country’s 12 shelters are mostly full and a national social-protection strategy remains overdue. Young Talent: Serbian pupil Sofi won the primary-school title at the Chinese Bridge global finals, among more than 50,000 entrants from over 100 countries. Film: Rastko Šejić’s anti-war animation Ratno podne will screen at Madrid’s Festival of Engaged Film, which highlights human rights and historical memory. Books: After Ann Carson’s Nobel win, Novi Sad’s Polja magazine is preparing reprints of two Serbian translations, expected in bookstores within days; her books are currently hard to find.

Film: Rastko Šejić’s one-minute anti-war animation Ratno podne has been selected for Madrid’s FESCIMED festival, where it will compete in December among films focused on memory and human rights. Literature: After Anne Carson won the Nobel Prize, Novi Sad’s Polja magazine is preparing new Serbian editions of Autobiography of Red and Red Doc, expected in bookstores within days, and is also working on Float. Education: Two teachers at Novi Sad’s Jovan Jovanović Zmaj Gymnasium remain at the centre of a dispute: a court ordered their reinstatement while disciplinary proceedings continue, but reports say they have yet to return. Culture and learning: Serbia’s caretaker prime minister and the British Council discussed expanding education programmes, including teacher training and digital skills; the 21st Century Schools project has supplied more than 35,000 micro:bit devices. Human rights: Serbian feminist peacebuilder Ljiljana Nešić was among five recipients of Front Line Defenders’ 2026 award for human rights defenders at risk.

Books & Ideas: Belgrade’s Rebel Publishers Fair runs October 9–11 at the University of Belgrade Rectorate, bringing 20 independent publishers together after they again opted out of the official Book Fair. Cultural Heritage: Serbia’s Pirot kilim weaving is among craft traditions nominated for UNESCO intangible heritage recognition, with decisions due in December. Education: Caretaker Prime Minister Đuro Macut and the British Council discussed expanding school programmes; the 21st Century Schools project has supplied more than 35,000 micro:bit devices and trained over 7,000 teachers. Women’s Leadership: Belgrade hosted the RISE 2026 conference on women’s political and economic empowerment on October 7. Live Music: A$AP Rocky is scheduled to perform at Belgrade Arena on October 8.

Books: Twenty independent Serbian publishers are staging the Rebel Publishers Fair at Belgrade’s University Rectorate on Oct. 9–11, with a second event on Oct. 17–18, after again boycotting the official Book Fair over its conditions. Theatre: Belgrade’s socially engaged Reflektor Theatre is beginning a ten-day revue in its new home at the former Srbolek building, testing the venue ahead of its full opening. Women’s Leadership: Belgrade hosted the RISE 2026 conference on Oct. 7, bringing together international officials to discuss women’s political and economic participation. Tennis: Novak Djokovic claimed a record-extending seventh China Open title after Alex de Minaur retired injured in the final; the win gives the Serbian star at least one title in 21 consecutive seasons.

Theatre: Belgrade’s independent Reflektor Teatar is moving into the former Srbolek building, turning it into a home for performances, concerts and talks. Its opening revue will also test the unfinished space. Speaking Out: Serbian men who survived sexual abuse describe years of silence, including coercion tied to keeping a public-sector job. Film: Serbian horror feature Frost is among 26 films selected for Nepal’s Kathmandu Horror Film Festival. Producer Boško Kozarski also presented a documentary about Hainan at Belgrade’s China Cultural Center. Gambling: Serbia has 2,810 registered betting shops, and one poker player says he makes a living from the game. The report also warns of widespread gambling harm among young people. Sport: Novak Djokovic claimed his seventh China Open title, extending his winning streak at the tournament to 34 matches.

Serbia’s Election Season: Serbia’s electoral commission approved 19 lists for the Oct. 25 early parliamentary vote, including nine national minority lists, while one list was withdrawn—setting the stage for a high-stakes campaign amid long-running concerns about media pressure and irregularities. Diaspora Voting Fight: A new rule ties overseas voting hours to Serbia’s local time, meaning some voters abroad would have to vote overnight, drawing criticism that the change could disadvantage the Serbian diaspora. Spyware Case: Student activist Jelena Kontić filed a criminal complaint over alleged Pegasus spyware infection, with lawyers citing forensic findings and urging a fast investigation ahead of the election. Kosovo Culture & Politics: In Kosovo, MPs elected Justina Shiroka Pula as president in a last-minute parliamentary vote, while protests outside the parliament turned violent as demonstrators demanded limits on the war crimes court’s powers. Arts & Film: Thessaloniki’s Agora Crossroads co-production forum unveiled 14 projects from 15 countries, while Serbia’s presence also shows up in international screens and collaborations. Sports & Identity: Novak Djokovic won his seventh China Open title, and Serbian athletes abroad continue to draw attention—from volleyball standouts to international tournament runs. Orthodox Culture: “Taste of Orthodoxy” returns to Saint Innocent Orthodox Church with Serbian folk music, traditional food, and church tours.

Serbia Election Watch: Serbia’s electoral commission approved 19 lists for the Oct. 25 early parliamentary vote, including nine national minority lists, while one list was withdrawn—setting the stage for a crowded campaign. Spyware & Rights: Student activist Jelena Kontić filed a criminal complaint over alleged Pegasus spyware infection, saying forensic work confirmed a “zero-click” iMessage compromise and urging a fast investigation. Diaspora Voting Rules: Serbia tied overseas voting hours to local time, a change critics say could make voting harder for the farthest diaspora communities. Student Movement & Pressure: Coverage highlights how student protests that began after the Novi Sad station canopy collapse evolved into a political force pushing for early elections amid rising pressure on independent media. EU & Anti-Racism Funding: The European Commission’s decision to stop funding the European Network Against Racism sparked alarm from major NGOs, warning it could weaken the EU’s democracy and rights agenda. Kosovo War-Crimes Court Protests: In Pristina, clashes erupted outside Kosovo’s parliament as demonstrators demanded changes to the Hague-based war crimes court after Hashim Thaçi’s convictions. Culture & Film: Serbia’s Pavle Vučković is among the selected filmmakers for the second Kathmandu Horror Film Festival, with 26 titles from 21 countries. Sports & Identity: Pope Leo’s viral tennis exchange—“He’s Serbian”—came after Djokovic’s China Open win, blending sport, nationality, and public attention.

Kosovo Protests: Police clashed with protesters outside Kosovo’s Parliament over proposed changes to the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers, after lawmakers failed to pass the bill; demonstrators backed former KLA leaders convicted for war crimes, with tear gas and water cannon used and dozens injured. Bosnia Election Watch: New preliminary results point to nationalist gains in Bosnia’s elections, with Milorad Dodik’s SNSD leading in Republika Srpska and a nationalist/pro-Russia figure set to shape the next political balance. Serbia–EU Lifestyle & Culture: Expo 2027 Belgrade keeps building momentum as Italy’s Veneto region signed on for Regional Days inside the Italian Pavilion, highlighting sports and music for all. Sports & Identity in Serbia: Ireland’s Nations League match in Serbia against Israel drew fresh controversy—black armbands, refusal to shake hands, and allegations of spitting and racism during press moments. Public Health in Serbia: Serbia’s flu vaccination campaign is expected to start in early October, with free shots for all and extra focus on older people, children, pregnant women, and chronic patients. Human Rights Visit: Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan met Serbia’s Justice Minister Nenad Vujić, focusing on rights in detention, penitentiary conditions, and children’s rights education.

Human Rights & Justice: Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan met Serbia’s Justice Minister Nenad Vujić to discuss rights in detention, penitentiary conditions, children’s rights, and human-rights education. Expo 2027 Belgrade: Italy’s Veneto Region signed up for Expo 2027 Belgrade, with Regional Days planned for June 20–22, 2027 and a focus on sports, music, tourism, and cultural cooperation. Novi Sad Environment Protest: Residents marched against the planned sale of protective-zone land in Futoški Park for a hotel complex, warning that hundreds of trees could be cut despite promises of replanting. Bosnia Election Fallout: Bosnia’s general election delivered another strong showing for nationalist parties, with low turnout and renewed fears of instability as ethnically aligned leaders take key seats. Belgrade Remembers Biljana Plavšić: Former Republika Srpska leader and Hague-convicted war criminal Biljana Plavšić died in Belgrade at 96, a reminder of how deeply war-era politics still shapes the region’s public life. Serbian Orthodox Church: The Church warned about persecution and discrimination facing Christians in Palestine, urging protection of their historical presence. Sports & Culture Tensions: Ireland–Israel football matches in Serbia continued to spark controversy, including protests and refusal of handshakes, reflecting how Gaza politics spills into everyday culture. Serbian Public Life Abroad: The Serbian diaspora’s student-protest networks are preparing to translate long-running activism into election-day organizing across Europe.

Bosnia Election Fallout: Nationalist parties look set to tighten their grip after Sunday’s Bosnia and Herzegovina vote, with Denis Bećirović, Željka Cvijanović and Darijana Filipović leading their respective seats as turnout hit a record-low 41.5% and preliminary counts show little room for political change. Regional Power Politics: Milorad Dodik declared victory in Republika Srpska and publicly thanked Vladimir Putin, underscoring how geopolitics and ethnic divisions continue to shape everyday life and EU hopes. Remembering Biljana Plavšić: Biljana Plavšić, the Bosnian Serb leader convicted for crimes against humanity and later recanting, has died in Belgrade at 96, leaving a legacy that still fuels debate over war, justice, and identity. Faith and Humanitarian Concern: The Serbian Orthodox Church warned that Christians in Palestine face persecution and discrimination, urging protection of the community’s 2,000-year presence and respect for religious rights. Student Activism in Serbia: “Studenti pobeđuje” rallied in Belgrade, talking environment, state land, education and health, and highlighting plans tied to mining and copper reserves. Sport, Culture, and Tension: Djokovic advanced at the China Open after a comeback win over Zverev, while Ireland’s Nations League clash with Israel in Serbia continues to draw controversy and heated media exchanges.

Serbian Orthodox Church: Patriarch Porfirije warned that Christians in Palestine face “suffering, persecution and discrimination,” urging protection of the community’s 2,000-year presence and respect for international law. Bosnia Elections: Polls opened for Bosnia’s general election with about 3.4 million voters choosing the tripartite presidency, parliament and entity leaders; voting delays hit some stations due to new digital tools. Belgrade Interior Affairs: Interior Minister Ivica Dačić said former Belgrade police chief Veselin Milić has returned as assistant police director after custody-related legal reasons ended, with his trial set for November 9. Culture & Theatre: Šabac Theatre opens its new season Oct. 5 with “Ljubinko and Desanka,” while controversy grows over claims that many ensemble members were left offstage after repertoire cuts. Sports & Identity: Germany coach Jürgen Klopp dismissed “not white enough” claims as “complete nonsense,” after social media backlash over the squad’s racial makeup. Ireland–Israel Football Tensions: Ireland’s pre-match press conference in Serbia ended abruptly after heated Israeli questions about the Flydubai incident and racism allegations.

Serbian Politics & Civic Life: US lawmakers have introduced the SRBIJA Act, tying future aid to Serbia’s progress on judicial accountability, media freedom, and EU/NATO alignment ahead of snap elections, while student-led protests and rule-of-law concerns remain in the spotlight. Belgrade Culture & Film: The 53rd FEST returns to Belgrade with 100+ films and major screenings at the Sava Center, but the buzz is overshadowed by politics around the opening film “Children of the Golden Ratio 42 / Children of the Goats” and the domestic premiere “Children of Kozare.” Education & Work: Serbia’s education workforce faces new pressure risks in the next employment round, with union warnings that fixed-time staff could be pressured via permanent-contract conditions. Community & Heritage: “A Taste of Serbia” continues at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, bringing generations together through sarma, cevapi, burek, and other traditional dishes as part of the parish’s anniversary celebrations. Early Childhood: Novak and Jelena Djokovic’s foundation reports reaching 55,000 children via 58 preschools across Serbia, with teacher training and parent support built into the program. Arts & Theatre: Šabac Theatre’s new season opens Oct. 5 with “Ljubinko and Desanka,” while controversy grows over repertoire changes and ensemble participation.