AGP Executive Report

World Cup Shockwaves: Thomas Tuchel has named England’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with big omissions already making headlines—Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire among those left out—while the team still leans on stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. Serbia–US Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić says Serbia “understands” Trump’s vision and frames the Serbia–US relationship as a potential stabilizer for European security. Belgrade Travel Alert: Serbia’s Foreign Ministry warns of a planned large-scale protest in Belgrade on May 23, with possible road disruptions. Visa Rules for Travelers: Thailand cuts visa-free stays for 54 countries from 60 days to 30, citing overstays and security concerns. Regional Travel Picks: Edinburgh is flagged as one of Europe’s pricier city breaks, while Zadar is being pushed as a must-visit sunset destination. Football Off-Field Drama: Ricky Martin’s Montenegro concert was briefly halted after tear gas was sprayed toward the stage, though he’s reported safe.

Belgrade Protest Alert: Bulgaria’s foreign ministry warns of a major student protest in Belgrade on May 23, with possible road blockades and lane disruptions on the E-75 and the Belgrade urban motorway—drivers of heavy goods vehicles are told to use the ring road via Bubanj Potok. Concert Security Shock: In Montenegro, Ricky Martin’s show was briefly halted after someone sprayed tear gas toward the stage; the singer and team were reported safe and the performance resumed. Visa Rules Tighten Abroad: Thailand cut visa-free stays for 54 countries from 60 days to 30, citing overstays, crime and disorder—Serbia is listed among those affected. Travel Culture in Focus: A new Belgrade exhibition by Pulitzer-winning photographer Muhammed Muheisen (with IOM and EU support) runs daily at Silosi through May 28, spotlighting stories of people on the move. EU/Regional Watch: Montenegro marks 20 years since independence and pushes for EU accession by 2028, after NATO membership.

Belgrade Protest Disruption: Serbia’s travel ripple starts with a fresh warning from Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry: a major student protest is planned for May 23 at Slavija Square, with possible road blockades in Belgrade and on the E-75, plus advice for heavy goods vehicles to avoid the urban motorway and use the ring road via Bubanj Potok. Ukraine-Serbia Diplomacy: Zelenskyy’s visit to Serbia is postponed, but a Ukrainian delegation is still expected, with Taras Kachka set to travel to Belgrade to lay groundwork. EU Travel & Transport Pressure: Regional transport groups warn that new EU rules could slow freight and raise costs, as Schengen stay limits and the Entry/Exit System add friction for professional drivers. Travel & Culture Picks: Wizz Air expands Berlin links with new Romania and Balkans routes, while Serbia’s China ties get a spotlight through “ancient capitals” friendship coverage. Justice Watch: Austria continues investigating “Sarajevo human safari” allegations, keeping the case in the spotlight across Europe.

Diplomacy in motion: Zelenskyy’s Serbia visit has been postponed, but Ukraine’s delegation is still expected in Belgrade with Taras Kachka leading the groundwork, after Vučić described a “open and constructive” phone call with Zelenskyy and discussed EU integration and a free-trade push. Education & migration: Vučić says Serbia will allow successful foreign students to apply for citizenship so they can stay and work after graduation, building on the “World in Serbia” scholarship programme. Regional EU momentum: Montenegro marked 20 years since breaking with Serbia and now targets EU membership by 2028, with an accession treaty working group already drafting. Cross-border intrigue: Hungary’s PM claims a wanted Polish politician may have left via Serbia, as questions swirl around asylum routes. Travel & culture: Sunfest 2026 unveils its biggest international lineup yet, while Prague Airport wins major European airport awards—good news for the region’s travel pull. Energy finance shift: Renewables financing is being reshaped by market instability, with Serbia and the wider Western Balkans facing tougher funding conditions.

Ukraine–Serbia Diplomacy: Zelenskyy’s planned visit to Serbia this week has been postponed, but talks are still moving—Ukraine says Deputy PM Taras Kachka will lead the delegation to Belgrade, after a phone call where both leaders described the relationship as “open and constructive” and discussed stronger ties plus a possible free-trade push. War Crimes Probe (Region Watch): Austria has opened investigations into “sniper tour” allegations from the 1990s Sarajevo siege, including claims that wealthy foreigners paid to shoot civilians—another step in a widening European legal hunt. Travel & Borders: Serbia’s EU path stays in the spotlight as Belgrade renews calls to open Schengen to the Western Balkans, while broader EU entry-refusal data shows more people being turned back at borders. Belgrade on the Move: Main Street resurfacing is set to bring lane changes and no-parking zones for several days, with traffic reduced to single-lane through the work area. Culture & Media: A major war-reporting prize goes to Guardian correspondent Lorenzo Tondo and photographer Alessio Mamo, with the ceremony set for June in Rome.

War Reporting Spotlight: Guardian correspondent Lorenzo Tondo and photographer Alessio Mamo won the Ryszard Kapuściński prize for standout reporting from conflict zones, with the ceremony set for 12 June in Rome. EU Politics & Israel: EU lawmakers agreed on the “Turnberry” trade deal with Washington, while internal pushback reportedly stalled further Israel-related trade sanctions and sparked fresh questions around Kaja Kallas’s outreach. Sarajevo “Sniper Tours” Probe: Austria’s justice authorities opened an investigation into alleged “war tourism” in Sarajevo, following earlier reporting and claims tied to paid civilian-hunting trips. Serbia Travel Angle: Belgrade’s local politics stays in focus as two candidates vie for a select board seat, while Serbia’s ties with Azerbaijan keep expanding—direct flights and business talks are feeding cooperation in energy, tourism, and investment. Regional Mobility: Thailand moved to cut its 60-day visa exemption to 30 days for many travelers, signaling tighter rules across popular routes.

Azerbaijan–Serbia Momentum: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić wrapped “very successful” meetings in Baku with Ilham Aliyev and Azerbaijani business leaders, pushing new cooperation in energy, investment, tourism, and even a gas-fired power plant near Niš. Belgrade–Schengen Reality Check: Serbia is again urging EU Schengen access for the Western Balkans “as early as this summer,” but experts say it’s mostly political—and still far from the legal and security standards needed. Travel Policy Watch: Thailand has decided to end its 60-day visa-free program, with rules set to revert and stays expected to shrink to 30 days. Border Crime Spotlight: A French customs bust at the Spanish-French border seized 71.5 kg of cocaine worth over €3.5 million, with a Serbian ID reportedly triggering the search. Local Disruption: Belgrade’s Main Street resurfacing is set to bring lane limits and no parking for about five days.

Belgrade Roadworks: Main Street resurfacing is set to bring lane closures and single-lane traffic through a work zone, with no parking and sidewalks staying open for business access. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: India’s first Captagon seizure—31.5 kg hidden inside a chapati-cutting machine bound for Jeddah—puts the spotlight back on West Asia’s “superhuman” stimulant trade and new transit routes. Hungary Politics in the Spotlight: Péter Magyar’s latest claims include shredded documents and campaign materials found in a former ministry building, raising fresh questions about how state property may have been used. Serbia-Azerbaijan Ties: In Baku, Aleksandar Vučić and Ilham Aliyev pushed expanded cooperation, including a gas-fired power plant near Niš and stronger tourism links—boosted by direct Belgrade–Baku flights. Travel Reality Check: New EU data shows more people being refused entry to Europe and Schengen, signaling tighter border enforcement for travelers.

Diplomacy in motion: In Baku, Aleksandar Vučić called meetings with Ilham Aliyev “very successful,” pointing to fresh cooperation—plus a planned 500 MW gas-fired power plant near Niš and new business openings. Travel & culture ties: The same Serbia–Azerbaijan push highlights direct Belgrade–Baku flights and plans for tourism, university links, and culture events. Border pressure: New EU data says refused entry to Schengen is rising, while more people are being found illegally present—an unwelcome sign for travelers planning multi-country trips. Security in the spotlight: A report warns about fake press credentials being used in conflict zones, putting real journalists at risk. Serbia in pop culture: Belgrade-inspired creator Saul Sam drops “Lost In Belgrade,” while Jovana Nogic keeps making WNBA headlines with a record-setting start.

EU Parliament Power Shift: Manfred Weber’s “firewall” against the far right is wobbling, with internal EPP tensions rising as some members eye cooperation with the Patriots and AfD—setting up a messy run-up to major European elections next year. Serbia–Azerbaijan Deal-Making: In Baku, Aleksandar Vučić called Azerbaijan a “true friendly country,” pointing to direct Belgrade–Baku flights and pushing new investment and tourism links (retail, spa and mountain resorts, agriculture). Diplomatic Follow-Through: Vučić and Ilham Aliyev also highlighted energy and business momentum, including gas exports to Serbia and the Niš gas-fired power project. Regional Travel Context: Croatia’s highway tragedy near the Serbian border—10 dead and dozens injured—reminds travelers the Balkans’ roads can be unforgiving. What’s Missing: No major Serbia-only domestic breaking news in the latest hours beyond the Azerbaijan push.

Serbia–Azerbaijan Push: President Aleksandar Vučić wrapped talks in Baku calling Azerbaijan a “true friendly country,” spotlighting new Baku–Belgrade direct flights and urging Azerbaijani firms to invest in Serbia—especially retail, spa and mountain tourism, and agriculture. Diplomatic Momentum: Vučić and Ilham Aliyev also reviewed progress from Aliyev’s February visit and emphasized cooperation across energy, investments, and joint projects, with Air Serbia’s route framed as a tourism booster. Business-to-Business Focus: A separate meeting with finance and trade officials discussed expanding trade and investment ties, including energy results like gas exports to Serbia and the Niš gas-fired power plant project. Regional Travel Context: Elsewhere in the week’s coverage, Croatia’s tourism labor crunch and a major bus crash near the Serbian border reminded travelers that the Balkans’ summer plans can hinge on both staffing and safety.

Eurovision Grand Final: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest is down to the wire in Vienna, with 25 countries competing for the crown after two semifinals—here’s where to watch, including free global streaming options. Belgrade Food Buzz: The Belgrade Burger Festival 2026 kicks off May 14–25 at Kalemegdan, promising its biggest lineup yet with major international burger brands plus music and family activities. Regional Travel Watch: A bus crash in Croatia early Sunday killed 10 and injured at least 45, with the route linking Germany to Pristina—cause still unclear. Serbia-Greece Cultural Ties: Greece’s culture minister visited Serbia and signed new cultural agreements, highlighting shared heritage and support for UNESCO and the Parthenon Marbles campaign. Tourism Staffing Reality Check: Croatia’s tourism industry says it still can’t find enough workers even after importing thousands—another reminder that summer travel plans depend on people, not just flights.

Major Crash: A bus with Kosovo plates crashed early Sunday on the highway between Zagreb and the Serbian border near Slavonski Brod, killing 10 and injuring at least 45 (including 15 minors). Eurovision Buzz: Delta Goodrem performed for Australia in the final in Vienna, with Serbia sandwiched in the running order—while the contest stays politically tense amid boycotts. Balkan Culture Links: Greece’s culture minister visited Serbia and signed new cultural agreements, spotlighting shared heritage and cooperation. Travel Demand Watch: Russian interest in Morocco is reportedly up sharply for summer, with bookings rising about 38% year-on-year. Serbia on the Sports Map: A Belgrade Burger Festival returns 14–25 May at Kalemegdan with major international brands. Tourism Staffing Pressure: Croatia’s tourism sector says it still can’t find enough workers despite importing thousands. Flights & Planning: Qatar Airways updated its summer route list, including service changes that touch Belgrade from 16 June.

Eurovision in Vienna: The boycott storm is still hanging over the contest, but Saturday’s Grand Final is here—Look Mum No Computer (UK) is set to perform 14th, while Israel’s Bettan was booed in the semi-finals and protests filled the streets. Belgrade on the menu: The Belgrade Burger Festival 2026 kicks off May 14–25 at Kalemegdan, promising its biggest lineup yet with major international brands joining Serbian favorites. Greece–Serbia ties: Greece’s culture minister visited Belgrade and signed new cultural agreements, spotlighting shared heritage and support for Serbia-linked UNESCO listings. Rail reform watch: Hungary’s transport minister says MÁV leadership structure could change after a review, with an onboard control system blamed for a recent accident’s risk factors. Travel logistics: Qatar Airways updated its 160+ destination plan for summer 2026, including new/return services to Belgrade from June 16. Football transfer buzz: Red Star’s Douglas Owusu is reportedly close to a record deal with Viktoria Plzen worth about €3.3m plus add-ons.

Serbia-EU Push: Serbia’s foreign minister Marko Djuric is urging the EU to speed up enlargement and open Schengen to the Western Balkans “this summer,” arguing hard borders choke tourism and the economy. Belgrade Airport Upgrade: Serbia is moving ahead with new works at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, including reconstruction of Terminal 1 and a new third exit for the international waiting area. Travel Demand Watch: Hotel bookings are surging across the region—Serbia is up about +65% for summer, with Montenegro also rising (+40%) as more travelers look for easier routes into Europe. Regional Tourism Buzz: Tuzla’s 3rd International Coffee and Chocolate Fair is underway (May 14–18), drawing exhibitors from the Balkans and keeping entry free. On the ground: A new airport-style travel story is also in the mix—Europe’s passenger traffic still rose +3.8% in March despite geopolitical pressure.

EU Schengen Push: Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric is urging the EU to speed up enlargement and open Schengen to Western Balkans this summer, arguing “hard borders” choke tourism and the economy and could unlock €50 billion in new activity. Belgrade Airport Upgrade: Serbia is also moving ahead with a new phase at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport—reworking part of Terminal 1 to create a third exit for the international waiting area serving remote stands. Travel Demand Watch: New booking data shows Serbia’s summer hotel demand up about 65%, with Montenegro also rising, as travelers look for easier access and fresh routes across the region. Regional Context: The week’s wider travel chatter includes health and logistics headaches abroad, but for Serbia-focused travelers the big practical signals are Schengen momentum and airport capacity improvements.