German government pays advisor to Serbian President, focusing on German economic interests

Jörg Heskens, a German national who has advised Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for 13 years, is funded by the German government and primarily focuses on safeguarding German economic interests within Serbia. An investigation by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) in collaboration with Der Spiegel reveals that Heskens's engagement raises significant constitutional, legal, and political-security concerns.

The investigation, based on documents obtained by BIRN from German institutions under freedom of information laws, indicates that Serbia has transformed into a "service economy" for Germany during Vučić's tenure. German authorities reportedly view Vučić as a direct counterpart for negotiating business deals. Heskens himself described his relationship with Vučić as close, with Vučić affectionately calling him 'my Swabian' and Heskens referring to the president as 'my wild Serb'.

BIRN and Der Spiegel's findings highlight Heskens's involvement in secret meetings and plans concerning the Jadar lithium mining project, even after its suspension. Documentation suggests that Serbia's partnership with Germany has increasingly centered on this project. Despite public protests against Rio Tinto's mining operations, Germany allocated 4.9 million euros in 2025 to support the Jadar project and planned to send experts to advise Serbian institutions on mining project approvals.

The investigation implies that Serbian authorities were aware the project's halt before the 2022 elections was temporary. Just a month after the elections, Vučić and German officials were reportedly discussing the project's future. The reporting suggests that Heskens's role and Germany's financial backing of the Jadar project, particularly during periods of public opposition, warrant further scrutiny.

“

I call him 'my Swabian,' he calls me 'my wild Serb.' That's how we exchange compliments.