AGP Executive Report

Venice Film Spotlight: Serbian-Iranian-German queer romance “I Plant My Hand in the Garden” (directed by Boris Hadžija and Hoda Taher) lands a world premiere in Venice Days at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, with themes of love, pregnancy, and family “red tape.” Belgrade Culture & Lifestyle: A Belgrade Cultural Center press event puts numbers on the map—over 5,000 programs, 20,000 performers, and around four million visitors from years of southern Serbia arts festivals, with organizers calling for more support. Women’s Health & Rights: DW reports Serbian maternity wards treating women “like an assembly line,” with routine outdated procedures and verbal abuse, raising consent and dignity concerns. Education & Safety: Belgrade school district trustees remove pat-downs and pocket searches from policy, tightening how staff can search students. Sports Pop Culture: TNT’s “The Librarians: The Next Chapter” returns for season two, set around a castle in Belgrade, starring Callum McGowan as Vikram. Human Rights in the Region: A Kosovo court opens the Racak massacre trial against 21 Serb officials in absentia, charged with killings that helped trigger NATO intervention. Diplomacy & Education: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed launches scholarships for Serbian students, with a focus on science, tech, and AI.

Belgrade School Safety: Belgrade school district trustees removed rules allowing staff pat-downs and pocket searches, tightening how student clothing and pockets may be searched. Southern Serbia Arts & Festivals: Nisville Festival organizers say they expect 1,000+ performers but again received no support from Serbia’s Culture Ministry. Human Rights & Health: Serbian women’s testimonies describe degrading maternity-hospital treatment and routine use of outdated procedures, sparking fresh debate on consent and care standards. Kosovo Justice: A Kosovo court opened a trial of 21 Serb officials in absentia over the 1999 Racak/Recak massacre, with charges including murder and torture. Education & Equality: Republika Srpska’s Supreme Court upheld discrimination findings for Bosniak children tied to how “Bosnian language” was marked in school documentation. UAE–Serbia Education: The UAE announced scholarships for Serbian students, with a focus on science, tech and AI, as leaders met in Belgrade. Culture Calendar: Changeover Festival returns to Belgrade (Oct 7–10) with an expanded lineup and venues across the city.

Kosovo War Crimes: A Prishtina court opened the trial of 21 people accused over the 1999 Reçak/Racak massacre, with defendants tried in absentia and Serbian officials named among them, as the killings helped trigger NATO’s 78-day bombing. Kosovo Pilgrimage Rules: From 1 August, Orthodox pilgrims in Kosovo and Metohija must be accompanied by a Pristina-licensed guide, a move Serbian officials and church representatives say restricts freedom of movement and religious practice. Rights in Republika Srpska: Serbia’s regional courts in Bosnia’s entity upheld discrimination against Bosniak children at “Sveti Sava” Elementary School in Zvornik over how their language was labeled in school records. Serbia Politics: The Green-Left Front said it will back the general election ticket nominated by the student movement, framing it as a path toward restoring democracy and rule of law. Women’s Health & Work: Serbian feminists welcomed Montenegro’s new “menstrual leave” law, while noting public backlash and pushing for similar change in Serbia. Belgrade–UAE Education: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed announced scholarships for Serbian students in science, technology and AI during talks in Belgrade. Culture & Film: Venice’s Fondazione In Between Art and Film opened “Canicula,” a show blending art and film in a charged global context. Lifestyle & Society: A DW investigation describes harsh, outdated maternity practices on Serbian wards, with women reporting routine procedures and loss of dignity. Travel & Sports: Air Serbia launched direct flights between Belgrade and Toronto after more than 30 years, while UFC Belgrade builds hype around Uros Medic’s main-event bout.

Serbian Culture & Lifestyle: Air Serbia expands connections: Air Serbia has launched a direct Belgrade–Toronto route, restoring a long-missing link between Serbia and Canada and serving the Serbian diaspora with twice-weekly flights. Women’s rights in the region: Serbian feminists are reacting to Montenegro’s new “menstrual leave” law, saying it could inspire similar change in Serbia while noting backlash over whether such support is seen as a “privilege.” Kosovo heritage under pressure: Serbian FM Marko Đurić warns that demolitions, barriers for pilgrims, and illegal works around the Visoki Dečani monastery point to a deliberate pattern of pressure on Serbs’ property rights and religious freedom. Culture on the move: The Balkan Open Door initiative—built around business, fashion, culture, art, and education—has set up international branches, including a Serbian fashion leadership role. Heatwave warning: Serbia faces a prolonged heatwave with temperatures climbing toward 40°C in early August, plus hydrological and heat-stress alerts. Film spotlight: “The Journalist’s Mission,” inspired by the Serbian-Kosovo war, is set for a U.S. premiere in New York on Sept. 24. Sports & identity: UFC Belgrade is on the calendar, with Uros Medic reacting to Daniel Rodriguez’s legal troubles ahead of the event.

Parliament & Governance: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut says the National Assembly’s confidence vote proves his cabinet is on the right track, while admitting the debate included “unacceptable tones” and pointing to healthcare and education as areas for improvement. Weather & Daily Life: Serbia faces a prolonged heatwave, with highs of 33–37°C today, up to 40°C locally from Friday, tropical nights in cities, and heat-stress and hydrological warnings for major rivers. Culture & Heritage: A new glass viewpoint “Kablar” is set to open Aug. 1, aiming to boost rural, religious and active tourism with up to 100 visitors per hour. Sports & Community: FK Partizan’s Serbian SuperLiga rivals see fresh talent as Kaheim Dixon signs a three-year deal with Novi Pazar, with coaches praising the move for regular playing time. Jewish History in Belgrade: Herzl’s grandparents’ remains were exhumed in Zemun and will be reinterred in Jerusalem next week, closing a long diplomatic and religious process. Kosovo Human Rights: Kosovo’s war crimes institute reports 12,230 killed in 1998–99, including over 1,000 children, with hundreds still missing. Education & Activism: An education union leader sues the minister over alleged attacks on the education system. Belgrade Public Safety: Belgrade police launch their first National Night Out, inviting residents to meet first responders and explore emergency services.

Pop Music & Culture: “Freedom – A Tribute to George Michael” is coming to Belgrade’s mts Dvorana on 12 October, with WHAM! and solo hits like “Careless Whisper” and “Fastlove.” Community & Public Safety: Belgrade school district trustees voted to drop pat-downs and pocket searches from policy, while Belgrade Police launched its first-ever National Night Out (Aug. 4) to connect residents with first responders. Heritage & Memory: The remains of Theodor Herzl’s grandparents were exhumed in Belgrade and will be reinterred in Jerusalem next week, closing a “historic circle.” Serbian Church: Patriarch Porfirije congratulated Metropolitan Onuphry on the feast of Prince Vladimir, blessing the UOC faithful. Kosovo War Records: Kosovo’s war crimes institute published a preliminary list of 12,230 killed in 1998–99 (plus missing children), renewing calls for access to archives. Regional Diplomacy: Serbia and Azerbaijan held bilateral consultations in Belgrade, highlighting cooperation in economy, energy, infrastructure, and culture. Film & Activism: Sarajevo Film Festival’s Human Rights Day picks “All We Have Is Us,” linking Chile’s lithium struggle with Serbia’s Jadar Valley fight for local rights.

Folk Heritage in Focus: Bosilegrad opened the first International Folk Festival “Horo Se Vie” on July 27 with a town parade, mass horo dance, and performances by seven regional ensembles from Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, running until August 2. Cultural Diplomacy & Politics: Serbia and Azerbaijan held bilateral consultations in Belgrade, with both sides pointing to deeper cooperation in economy, infrastructure, energy, and culture. Church & Tradition: Patriarch Porfirije congratulated Metropolitan Onuphry of the UOC on the feast of Prince Vladimir, stressing the spiritual meaning of Prince Vladimir’s Christian choice. Russian Influence in Schools: A sanctioned Russian state-funded foundation donated Putin-praising books to Russian-language schools in Serbia and Republika Srpska, with Serbian authorities saying the material wasn’t approved as a textbook. Women’s Rights Lens: A new Women, Peace and Security ranking places Serbia at 29th, highlighting how inclusion, justice, and security shape outcomes. Serbian Community Abroad: Butte’s Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church will host SerbFest on August 8 with Serbian food, folk dancing, tambura music, and church tours.

Kosovo War Crimes: Kosovo prosecutors arrested two suspects over alleged 1999 war crimes against civilians in the Mitrovica area, with Serbia’s government condemning the move as intimidation. Retrial in Kosovo: A retrial upheld a ten-year sentence for ethnic Gorani ex-police officer Sacir Lutvija, convicted for assaulting ethnic Albanian prisoners during the 1998–99 war. Belgrade Football Reform: Serbia’s Football Association appointed former Belgian referee Frank De Bleeckere to lead the refereeing commission, promising integrity, training, and higher officiating standards. Cinema & Memory: Director Đorđe Kadijević is profiled as a key Yugoslav Black Wave figure, with his work framed through war, persecution, and radical filmmaking. Heritage Under Threat: UNESCO-backed discussions in Ukraine focus on safeguarding vulnerable wooden heritage amid war, with Serbia listed among supporting donors. LGBTQ+ Research: A new analysis of the EU’s trans survey includes Serbia, highlighting discrimination, violence, and mental health pressures. Culture & Travel: A Bosnia travel reflection urges looking beyond museums—toward everyday life and the living memory of Srebrenica. Sports Lifestyle: Milos Kerkez talks Liverpool pre-season and clears up wedding rumors tied to Serbian family tradition.

Belgrade Politics & Civic Trust: Serbia’s Third Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office opened a case over allegations that citizens were paid cash to attend an SNS rally at Belgrade Arena, after N1 journalists documented “extras” recruited and given daily allowances; the investigation is underway, with prosecutors refusing to share details. Belgrade Culture Calendar: The 33rd Belgrade Summer Festival (BELEF) runs 29 July–13 August, with concerts at Princess Ljubica’s Residence including pianist Ljubica Zdravkovska (29 July), violinist Nina Rakočević (2 August), soprano Olivera Gočanin (12 August), and more, plus free “FMU at BELEF” events. Serbia–China Cooperation: Serbian and Chinese officials pledged deeper collaboration in AI, green technology and innovation at a Belgrade conference, framing the partnership as a shift from mining to “data mining.” Sports & Identity: Serbian-born Hungary international Milos Kerkez spoke about his Liverpool pre-season and family life, including Serbian wedding customs and his link to coach Andoni Iraola. Community & Minority Rights: Bulgarian minority residents in Serbia protested in Tsaribrod/Dimitrovgrad in support of veterinarian Aleksandar Vasov after nationalism allegations, calling it a stand against hate speech. Culture Beyond Borders: A Serbian film co-production, “3 Weeks Later / 3 nedelje kasnije,” picked up an Europa Cinemas Label award at Karlovy Vary, tackling bullying and silence in school life. International Context: A UNESCO-listed underground city in Poland’s Wieliczka Salt Mine draws attention again for its 245km tunnel network and salt-carved world below the surface.

Belgrade Culture Calendar: The 33rd BELEF runs 29 July–13 August, with concerts at Princess Ljubica’s Residence including pianist Ljubica Zdravkovska (29 July), violinist Nina Rakočević (2 August), bass-baritone Miodrag D. Jovanović (5 August) and soprano Olivera Gočanin (12 August), plus an evening of Spanish and Neapolitan songs (13 August). Community & Identity: Bulgarian minority members in Serbia rallied in Tsaribrod (Dimitrovgrad) to back veterinarian Aleksandar Vasov after nationalism allegations, calling it a stand against hate speech and division. Faith & Heritage: In Bosnia, a Ukrainian parish of the Serbian Orthodox Church marked the feast of Prince Volodymyr with a relic particle, with Orthodox Serbs and Ukrainian Greek Catholics praying together. International Ties: Serbia and China pledged deeper cooperation in AI and green technology in Belgrade, signaling a shift toward “data mining” alongside traditional industry. Culture Through Sport: Serbia’s presence in global school sports grows as Olabisi Joseph joins ISF leadership in Belgrade. Tourism Watch: OECD data puts Serbia among the fastest-growing destinations for international arrivals since 2019 (up 27%). LGBTQ+ Rights: A report says Serbia’s LGBTQ+ community faces an “epidemic of violence,” highlighting ongoing safety concerns.

Serbia–ASEAN Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić in Manila pushed stronger political and economic ties with Southeast Asia, citing Serbia’s trade with ASEAN of over €1.3 billion and highlighting Expo 2027 Belgrade as a key bridge for the region. Culture & Film: The Italian/Serbian coproduction Balcanica—shot largely in Serbia—will premiere in Venice’s Giornate degli Autori competition, spotlighting Serbian landscapes and a story shaped by music bans in Afghanistan. Community & Lifestyle: A Serbian Fest in Weirton brought Serbian food, music, and family activities to the Serbian Picnic Grounds, showing how diaspora culture stays alive through shared meals and events. Sports & Society: A new call from an academic urges broadcasters to stop sexualising female athletes, backing European guidelines on safer camera angles and framing. Belgrade Pride of Place: Serbia’s LGBTQ+ community faces an “epidemic of violence,” after reported attacks and growing concerns about protection for people who speak out. Heritage & Faith: Serbian Orthodox worshippers and pilgrims continue to mark major feast days, with a large procession honoring Saint Paraskevi in Chalcis drawing thousands. International Spotlight on Serbia: A report on Serbia’s democracy gap finds citizens still prefer democratic governance but distrust how institutions deliver results, with student protests gaining traction.

Serbia’s ASEAN push: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić in Manila says Serbia wants to deepen political and economic ties with Southeast Asia, citing trade above €1.3 billion and urging more countries to join Expo 2027 Belgrade. Diplomatic follow-up: Đurić also met Chile’s foreign minister, stressing Chile’s non-recognition of Kosovo’s unilateral independence and inviting participation in Expo 2027. Democracy vs distrust: A new survey with CRTA and Stanford’s Democracy Action Lab finds many Serbians still back democracy as an idea, but trust in institutions is low—while student-led protests could translate into an electoral alternative. LGBTQ+ safety concerns: Belgrade reports describe an “epidemic of violence” against people seen as different, including attacks tied to anti-gay hostility. Sports and media ethics: An academic calls for tackling the sexualisation of female athletes, pointing to new European broadcasting guidelines. Culture on screen: The Italian/Serbian coproduction Balcanica—shot largely in Serbia—earns a Venice Film Festival premiere slot. Parliament politics: Serbia’s parliament schedules a July 27 no-confidence vote session, with culture policy and related disputes cited by opposition. Heritage and faith: A Serbian Orthodox icon tradition linked to the Three-Handed Icon is highlighted, with the wonderworking icon associated with Hilandar on Athos. Community life: Serbia’s cultural calendar also includes local festival and church fundraising items, from youth events to Orthodox church activities.

LGBTQ+ Safety in Focus: A Belgrade attack on drag performer Aleksandar Savić, plus a separate assault on author Vladimir Arsenijević, has sparked fresh warnings about an “epidemic of violence” and how protection for people who “don’t fit” is failing. Sports & Media Ethics: A Serbian long jumper’s stance joins an international push to curb sexualised coverage of female athletes, urging broadcasters to avoid voyeuristic camera angles. Culture & Memory: Serbia’s Parliament is set to debate a no-confidence vote tied to the General Staff complex losing protected cultural status, with opposition pointing to culture minister Nikola Selaković and wider political tensions. Heritage & Faith: Metropolitan Onuphry explained the spiritual meaning of the Three-Handed Icon, noting its connection to the Serbian Hilandar Monastery on Athos. Arts on the Move: The Italian/Serbian film Balcanica—shot entirely in Serbia—earns a Venice Film Festival premiere slot, spotlighting Sjenica and the Pešter Plateau. Community Life: A Belgrade-area youth event (Jakes Day) and a Serbian Orthodox SerbFest in the region point to ongoing family-friendly cultural programming.

LGBTQ+ Safety in Focus: A Belgrade attack on drag performer Aleksandar Savić has reignited fears of an “epidemic of violence,” with activists pointing to rising aggression and uneven protection for people who challenge the mainstream. Sports Media Ethics: An Australian academic backs new European Broadcasting Union guidelines aimed at stopping the sexualisation of female athletes, pushing broadcasters to avoid voyeuristic camera angles and focus on technique. Cultural Diplomacy & Film: Serbia-shot Italian/Serbian coproduction Balcanica lands a world premiere at Venice 2026, highlighting Sjenica and the Pešter Plateau, while Venice’s Giornate degli Autori also spotlights multiple FNE partner-country films. Church & Community Life: A Serbian Orthodox monastery tradition is spotlighted via the Three-Handed Icon’s spiritual story, tied to Hilandar on Athos. Parliament Watch: Serbia’s parliament schedules an extraordinary session on July 27 for a vote of no confidence, linked to disputes over the General Staff complex’s protected status and proceedings involving the culture minister. Family Policy Debate: Bulgaria’s maternity-leave protests (“Maternity Is Not Charity”) renew attention on how Balkan states support parents and children.

Kosovo–EU Judicial Talks: Albin Kurti told the EU that Serb judges and prosecutors who resigned from Kosovo institutions can’t return outside Kosovo’s legal system, as Brussels pushes to restart the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue and restore public institutions. Serbia Politics & Culture: Serbia’s parliament will hold an extraordinary session on July 27 on a no-confidence vote, with opposition linking the move to the revocation of the General Staff complex’s protected cultural status and criminal proceedings involving Culture Minister Nikola Selaković. Belgrade Memory & Law: Serbia’s Equality Commissioner recommended Belgrade’s mayor avoid social-media posts that glorify Ratko Mladić, citing the need to respect the Hague verdict and prevent hatred and division. Film & Festivals: A Serbian-shot Italian/Serbian coproduction, Balcanica, will premiere at Venice 2026, while FNE partner-country films are selected for the festival’s Official Selection and Venice Days. Sports & Youth Culture: Meridianbet became official sponsor of UFC Fight Night Belgrade on Aug. 1, and a Serbian standout, Luka Solomun, was announced in a US college recruiting class. Community Life: A St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church SerbFest is set for July 31–Aug. 2, alongside local church fundraising and youth events.

Serbia–Chile Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Marko Đurić met Chile’s FM Francisco Pérez Mackenna in Manila, pushing deeper political dialogue and cooperation, and urging Chile to join Expo 2027 Belgrade; Đurić also praised Chile’s principled stance on not recognizing Kosovo’s unilateral independence. Belgrade Cultural Heritage Under Fire: Serbia’s parliament will debate a no-confidence vote on July 27 tied to the revocation of the General Staff complex’s protected cultural status and alleged document falsification by Culture Minister Nikola Selaković. Hague Verdict Respected in Belgrade: Serbia’s Equality Commissioner recommended Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić avoid posts that incite hatred after he shared content praising Ratko Mladić; youth rights groups say it’s a rare institutional nod to the Hague judgment. Kosovo Security & Heritage: Serbian Armed Forces chief Gen Milan Mojsilovic met KFOR leadership, urging protection for Serbs and Serbian religious, cultural and historical heritage under UNSCR 1244. Culture & Community Events: Szeged’s medieval festival commemorates the Siege of Belgrade with reenactments and children’s activities, while St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church hosts SerbFest in Merrillville (July 31–Aug 2). Sports Culture: Meridianbet became official sports betting sponsor of UFC Fight Night Belgrade on Aug 1 at Belgrade Arena. Arts in Focus: A free Italy–Serbia Orchestra concert, “Myths, Legends and Fairytales about Music,” is set for July 25 at the Synagogue in Belgrade.