Belgrade withdraws security system plan; Western Balkans economy grows

Belgrade's city assembly has withdrawn a proposal for a public-private partnership to establish an integrated security system, halting discussions on the project. Forbes Serbia reported that the proposal was removed from the agenda before the session began.

Experts consulted by Forbes Serbia raised concerns about the project's justification and effectiveness. They noted that the city had not presented analyses of the current security situation, existing capacities and their shortcomings, or potential risks and threats. This lack of foundational analysis, they argue, casts doubt on the necessity and purpose of the proposed investment.

In other economic news, the Western Balkans experienced a strong first quarter in 2026, with an average growth rate of 3.2%. This figure represents an acceleration from the previous quarter's 2.7% growth and marks the fastest pace since Q4 2024, according to the European Commission. Serbia's economy grew to 3.2% in Q1 2026, surpassing Bosnia and Herzegovina (2.2%), Montenegro (2.6%), and North Macedonia (3.1%). However, Serbia's growth trailed behind Albania (3.7%) and Kosovo (5.4%).

Additionally, Chad Bluett, the former head of Rio Tinto in Serbia, has officially stepped down as director of Rio Sava Exploration, a subsidiary of the mining giant. He was preceded by another legal representative, Jamie Height. Both have been replaced by individuals from the region. Bora Pasuljević and Varnava Petrović have been appointed as the new legal representatives.