AGP Executive Report

Women in Film: The Sarajevo Film Festival launched “Sister Sister,” a regional initiative pushing 50-50 funding, fair authorship, and better visibility for women filmmakers across the former Yugoslavia, with Céline Sciamma joining as a special guest. Local Industry Support: President Aleksandar Vučić toured Brus and highlighted state non-refundable funding and low-interest loans for machinery and production, alongside new road and water-supply investments. AI + Culture in Belgrade: A touring exhibition in Belgrade pairs traditional Chinese ink art with AI-assisted creation, running until Sept. 14 at the Chinese Cultural Center. Connectivity: Yettel was named Serbia’s top mobile network by Ookla, umlaut, and P3, scoring highest across speed and everyday user experience tests. Research Call: A PhD researcher at the University of Belgrade is recruiting Shetland English speakers for fieldwork in November, aiming for a gender-balanced sample across multiple communities. Wildfire Response: EU helicopters and firefighters were deployed to Serbia as wildfires spread, with Belgrade also using international support mechanisms while crews guard key nature reserves. Drought & Rivers: Europe’s record-low river levels are disrupting inland transport and exposing how climate-driven water shortages can ripple into logistics and costs, with Serbia flagged among the hardest-hit corridors.

AI & Culture in Belgrade: A touring exhibition, “Ink Art Asks the Future,” opened at the Chinese Cultural Center, blending traditional Chinese ink with AI-assisted creation and digital works, running until Sept. 14. Telecom Connectivity: Yettel was named Serbia’s top mobile network by Ookla, umlaut, and P3, topping speed and user-experience rankings. Language Research in Serbia: A PhD researcher at the University of Belgrade is recruiting about 40 adult Shetland English speakers (20+), aiming to map pronunciation patterns across communities and generations. Wildfires & Cross-border Response: EU helicopters and firefighters were deployed to Serbia to support ongoing wildfire efforts, with Belgrade using the Civil Protection Mechanism alongside Russian and EU help. Climate Pressure on Water & Transport: Europe’s record-low river levels are disrupting inland shipping; Serbia is cited among the hardest-hit corridors as drought and heat intensify. Geopolitics & Resilience: Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska led a Kyiv summit of first ladies and gentlemen, launching a “Global Vocabulary of Resilience” project tied to mental health and crisis coping.

Serbia Tech & Telecom: Yettel has been named Serbia’s top mobile network after sweeping awards from Ookla, umlaut and P3, reinforcing its lead on speed and everyday connectivity. Wildfires & Emergency Response: EU helicopters and firefighters have been deployed to Serbia to help tackle major blazes, with Belgrade also using international support as drought-stressed conditions strain firefighting capacity across the region. Climate Impact on Tech & Heritage: Europe’s record-low river levels are exposing and damaging assets; in Croatia, a Roman ship replica was stranded in the Drava, showing how extreme heat and low water can disrupt EU-funded research and cultural projects. Research in Serbia: A PhD researcher at the University of Belgrade is recruiting adult Shetland English speakers for fieldwork in November, aiming to map pronunciation, language variation and local identity across generations. Science & Environment (Europe-wide): A new study reports banned chemicals from decades ago are still detected across Europe, highlighting long-lasting pollution risks for air, water and soils.

Climate & Infrastructure: Europe’s record-low river levels are hitting shipping and power generation hard, with the Rhine “at breaking point” (down to ~6 cm at Kaub) and severe disruptions also noted on the Danube, including in Serbia, as operators scramble to shift cargo from barges to rail and road. Public Safety & Heritage: The same drought-and-heat conditions are exposing buried World War I/II ordnance across Europe, forcing bomb-disposal teams to respond as wildfires unearth rusty mines and shells. Serbia Response: The EU has sent helicopters and firefighters to Serbia to help tackle wildfires near Deliblatska Peščara, using the Civil Protection Mechanism even though Serbia isn’t an EU member. Local Tech/Science Angle: A new study reports banned chemicals from decades ago are still widely detected across Europe, showing how persistent pollutants like PBDEs remain in air, water, soils, and sediments. Finance: Rising U.S. Treasury yields are pressuring European bond markets, with spillover risk flagged by major investors.

Serbia & EU emergency response: The EU has dispatched helicopters and firefighters to Serbia to help battle wildfires near Deliblatska Pescara, after Belgrade activated the Civil Protection Mechanism; aid includes Black Hawk helicopters, firefighters and vehicles from Germany and Romania. Climate & agriculture pressure: Heatwaves and drought are battering European farming, with growers forced into earlier harvests and farmers reporting major crop losses and higher operating costs. Drought exposes hidden tech/history: As rivers hit record lows, Serbia and the wider region are seeing WWII-era relics resurface, including a sunken steam tugboat in the Sava and unexploded ordnance risks that complicate emergency work. Contaminants still linger: A new study finds banned chemicals from decades ago—especially PBDE flame retardants—still detected across Europe in air, water, soils and sediments, showing long-term persistence. Water as leverage in Kosovo tensions: Serbia’s talk of redirecting the Ibar River signals how critical infrastructure and natural resources are entering the political pressure toolkit.

Wildfire Response in Serbia: The EU has deployed helicopters and firefighters to help Serbia battle fast-spreading wildfires near Deliblatska Pescara, with Belgrade activating the Civil Protection Mechanism and receiving Black Hawk aircraft, crews, and vehicles from Germany and Romania. Drought, Rivers, and Tech-Linked Disruption: Record-low European river levels are crippling inland shipping, with Serbia flagged among the hardest-hit Danube stretches as operators shift cargo to rail and road. Hidden War Hazards: This same heat and drought are also exposing buried World War I and II ordnance, with some fires triggering detonations and forcing bomb-disposal teams to work around active blazes. Serbia’s Water as Leverage: Serbia’s leadership is openly discussing possible changes to the Ibar River’s course amid escalating tensions with Kosovo, underscoring how critical water infrastructure is becoming part of political pressure. Danube Finds in Serbia: As waters drop, a century-old steam tugboat (“Sava’s Titanic”) has resurfaced in the Sava River near Sremska Mitrovica, adding to a wave of drought-driven historical discoveries.

Wildfire Explosives: Europe’s heat and drought are unearthing rusty WWI/WWII bombs and mines, with reported detonations and bomb-disposal teams responding across France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Climate & Food Pressure: Heatwaves and low rainfall are already cutting crops and shifting harvest schedules, adding costs and uncertainty for farmers across Europe and the Balkans. Danube Drought, Serbia Finds: As the Danube and Sava run low, history resurfaces—most notably a century-old Slovenian steam tugboat (“Sava’s Titanic”) emerging from the Sava near Sremska Mitrovica, alongside other war-era relics across the region. Serbia–Kosovo Water Tension: Serbia’s talk of redirecting the Ibar River frames water control as political leverage in the Belgrade–Pristina standoff, raising stakes for critical infrastructure. AI in Education: China is pushing system-wide AI-driven schooling models, with conferences highlighting AI teaching assistants and “AI Plus Education” rollout. Robotics & Charging Tech: A Serbian startup pitching charging tech for humanoid robots is looking for partners in China as the market moves beyond trials.

Serbia–Kosovo Water Tension: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić floated redirecting the Ibar River as a pressure tool, underscoring how the dispute is shifting from policing and governance to critical water infrastructure. Drought Exposes History: Europe’s record-low rivers are resurfacing relics; in Serbia, a century-old steam tugboat (“Sava’s Titanic”) emerged from the Sava near Sremska Mitrovica, while the wider Danube region has also revealed WWII-era finds. AI in Education (Global): China showcased AI-driven schooling models at the Global Smart Education Conference, pushing “AI Plus Education” from pilots toward system-wide deployment. Robotics & Charging Tech (Serbia in Focus): At the Beijing World Robot Conference, a Serbian startup (SLM Charging Technology) said it’s seeking partners in China to supply charging tech for the humanoid robot boom. Climate Risk for Transport: Record drought is disrupting inland shipping across Europe, with severe impacts reported on the Danube and Rhine, raising costs and threatening logistics.

Drought & Rivers Exposed: Europe’s record-low river levels are turning infrastructure into archaeology. In Serbia, the Sava River has revealed the rusting early-1900s steam tug “Slovenian,” dubbed “Sava’s Titanic” near Sremska Mitrovica, while the Danube’s extreme low water is also disrupting shipping and threatening energy and agriculture across the region. AI in Education: China is pushing AI-driven schooling at scale, with an “AI Plus Education” plan and smart-education conference discussions on how teaching models should change as machines get smarter. Robotics & Serbian Tech: At Beijing’s World Robot Conference, humanoid robots are moving from demos toward real applications, and a Serbian charging-technology startup is looking for Chinese partners to plug into that growth. Trade Facilitation: APEC customs talks in Dalian highlighted AI-enabled cross-border trade and smarter rules for cross-border e-commerce. Local Tech/Industry: Hungary’s Danube shipping slowdown is a reminder that water stress can hit logistics fast—forcing more cargo onto rail and road.

Drought Exposes History: Europe’s record heat and low rivers are turning Serbia’s waterways into open-air museums, with a rusting 1913 steam tugboat (“Sava’s Titanic,” the Slovenian) surfacing from the Sava near Sremska Mitrovica, while Danube lows also reveal wartime relics and even a WWII mine detonated by Slovak police. Climate & Logistics Pressure: Shipping operators are scrambling as the Rhine and Danube become harder to navigate, pushing cargo onto trucks and trains and raising costs that may hit consumers. Green Cooperation: Serbia and Uzbekistan are expanding environmental collaboration, including forestry know-how, biodiversity protection, and green investment and innovation exchanges. Space Watch: NASA’s invitation to India to join plans for a permanent Moon base near the south pole signals deeper US–India space coordination. Tech & Work Skills: A broader look at how generative AI is reshaping workforce needs, boosting demand for people who mix tech ability with communication and leadership. Local Tech Ecosystem: Acumatica says its Serbia engineering footprint is part of a wider push, with India added for new product and platform work.

Drought & Heritage: Europe’s worst drought in decades is exposing more than nature—historic relics are surfacing. In Serbia, a rusting early-1900s steam tugboat known as “Sava’s Titanic” emerged from the Sava near Sremska Mitrovica, while low Danube levels have also revealed other wartime and ancient remains across the region. Energy & Climate Signals: A separate energy snapshot shows hydro output in Europe hitting its lowest summer level on record (June 1–Aug 15), while solar generation rose—highlighting how heat and water stress are reshuffling power reliability. Space Policy: NASA has invited India to join plans for a permanent Moon base near the south pole, but details on India’s exact role remain unclear. Governance & Voting Tech: Serbia’s CRTA warns that polling irregularities can’t be fixed by new privacy screens; it argues the real issue is how voting committees operate. The state electoral body is even considering pausing procurement of the full-coverage booths for further review. AI & Media: A commentary on Serbia’s media crisis points to falling trust and rising control pressures, adding that AI is accelerating the “republish without credit” problem for journalism.

AI & Industry in Serbia: PeakActivity merged with Belgrade’s DME Studio to combine AI/automation delivery with video and content production for enterprise clients. Energy Storage & Smart Cities: Beam Global reported Q2 2026 results and highlighted growth in drone/autonomous robotics battery orders plus progress on AI/data-center battery work. Green Finance for Serbian Firms: Serbia’s decarbonization incentives regulation (in force since June 13) now sets how companies can fund emission cuts, with support intensity up to €200m depending on tech type. Tech Talent & Skills: A new look at generative AI’s impact on workforce competencies stresses lifelong learning and human-centred skills alongside technical ability. Local Governance: Novi Sad extended mandates for 47 local community councils instead of holding elections, sparking claims of unlawful political maneuvering. Mobility Tech: Volkswagen EV drivers in Europe are getting Samsung Wallet Digital Key access for hands-free entry and starting. Research & Rankings: University of Belgrade’s slip in Shanghai rankings is tied to funding and administrative pressures, with calls for more stable support. Climate & Power: Ember analysis shows Europe’s heatwaves boosted solar output while drought and heat constrained nuclear, gas, coal and hydropower.

IoT & Smart Devices: Quectel Wireless Solutions launched two Android 16 smart modules for industrial and commercial use—SH602FA (4G) and SE505FE (5G)—aiming to speed up development for smart buildings, retail kiosks, wearables and industrial terminals. AI & Work Skills: A new analysis argues generative AI is reshaping labour markets, boosting demand for tech skills while raising the value of human-centred abilities like communication, leadership and critical thinking. Climate & Power Resilience: Ember’s heatwave study says solar generation rose sharply during Europe’s June–July 2026 heatwaves (up to +17%), but drought and extreme conditions still constrained nuclear, gas, coal and hydropower—especially in evening peak demand. Energy Transition Pressure: Research on Europe’s employment shows Hungary saw the steepest job decline (and Serbia also fell), pointing to ageing, migration and weaker momentum. Local Governance: Novi Sad extended mandates for 47 local community councils indefinitely, delaying elections and triggering protests over participation and political control. Serbia–Region Tech/Logistics: Spotter TMS rolled out its first outdoor campaign at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport to strengthen ties with Serbian and Balkan trucking communities in the U.S. freight market.

IoT & AI for Industry: Quectel Wireless Solutions launched two Android 16 smart modules for industrial/commercial IoT—SH602FA (4G) and SE505FE (5G)—aimed at faster deployment for smart buildings, retail kiosks, and connected terminals. Research Funding Pressure: Serbia’s Ministry of Science removed two university leaders from an architecture institute board, citing neglect of duties and threats to scientific integrity, while MASA flagged Serbia’s research ranking drop as driven by unstable funding and weak conditions for autonomy. University Oversight: MASA also called for a review of state support for the University of Belgrade amid concerns about continuity and investment. Tech Ecosystem & Startups: A separate analysis asks why big domestic capital is still staying away from Serbian startups, pointing to structural barriers for growth. Blockchain & Verification: OpenMatter Network will lead sessions at Belgrade Blockchain Week 2026 on cryptographic verification for secure scientific collaboration and agentic AI. EU & Public Health: ECDC urged protection against West Nile virus as local transmission expands across Europe, including newly affected areas.

IoT & Smart Devices: Quectel Wireless Solutions launched two Android 16 smart modules for industrial and commercial use—SH602FA (4G) and SE505FE (5G)—aimed at cutting design complexity and speeding deployment for smart buildings, retail kiosks, wearables and industrial terminals. Climate Resilience: A new EU-focused look at flood policy says weather extremes already cost the bloc €822bn since 1980, pushing responses beyond dikes toward risk mapping, river-basin planning, nature restoration, forecasting and emergency coordination. Public Health: The EU health agency ECDC warned that West Nile virus is spreading in Europe, with new local transmission areas reported in Italy, urging people to prevent mosquito bites. Energy & Grid Stability: Ember analysis finds European heatwaves boosted solar output by up to 17%, helping keep grids stable even as other generation sources were disrupted. Serbia Science Governance: Serbia’s Ministry of Science removed Institute management board members Nebojsa Bojovic and Vladan Djokic over alleged neglect of duties and political activity affecting scientific integrity.

Serbia–EU accession: Serbia’s EU envoy Danijel Apostolović is coordinating an end-August push as Brussels scrutiny sharpens on judicial independence, corruption, and media freedom. Research governance: Serbia’s Science Ministry removed professors Nebojša Bojović and Vladan Đokić from leadership roles at the Institute of Architecture and Urban & Spatial Planning, citing neglect of duties and threats to scientific integrity. Blockchain & verification: OpenMatter Network says its head of operations will lead sessions at Belgrade Blockchain Week 2026 on cryptographic verification for secure scientific collaboration and agentic AI. Startup ecosystem: A new analysis argues Serbia’s “valley of death” persists because domestic big companies rarely invest in startups beyond sponsorships, leaving growth-stage funding and exits weak. Regional connectivity: A Serbia-based expert highlights how Belt and Road Initiative projects—like the Belgrade–Budapest high-speed rail—have boosted development over the past decade. Public health: The EU health agency urges protection against West Nile virus as local transmission expands across parts of Europe. Energy & climate: Ember reports solar output rose up to 17% during European heatwaves, helping stabilize grids even as nuclear and other generation faltered.