German government confirms funding for Serbian President's advisor

A German government spokesperson has confirmed that Joerg Heeskens, a long-serving advisor to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, is indirectly funded by the German government. Heeskens is employed by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), an entity wholly owned by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs. The confirmation came in response to investigative reports by Birn and Der Spiegel, which alleged Heeskens was on the German government's payroll. The spokesperson clarified that GIZ is involved in a partnership with the Serbian government to develop industrial sites for German companies, and this includes financing on-the-ground advisory activities. German media reports indicate Heeskens has spent years lobbying for German economic interests within Serbia, with a controversial lithium mine project listed among his activities. This revelation raises questions about potential German influence on Serbian economic policy and resource development.

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We have entered into an administrative partnership that, in cooperation with the Government of Serbia, helps build and develop production sites for German companies. As part of this, we also finance advisory activities on the ground.