Serbian far-right and pro-Russian groups protested in Belgrade, with tensions escalating due to false rumors and attempts to storm the presidency. The protest, linked to groups like People’s Patrols, Obraz, and Dveri, was in response to Serbia's distancing from Russia and a potential Kosovo agreement. Despite the opposition, analysts suggest that the far-right has been tacitly supported by the government, allowing President Vucic to position himself as a moderate in international negotiations. Arrests were made following the protest, and Vucic condemned the opposition for inciting violence, assuring public safety. Observers argue that the far-right's actions are likely sanctioned by the state, citing the peaceful conduct of state-endorsed events like Gay Pride parades as evidence.

An investigation by The Observer has uncovered a 'forced labour' migration route from Vietnam to the UK, with Serbia and Romania being used as new gateways for smuggling and trafficking gangs. Over 500 Vietnamese workers were found working in deplorable conditions at the Linglong car tyre factory in Serbia. These workers, often in debt bondage and charged exorbitant fees for passage, are exploited in factories and construction sites before some are transported to the EU and the UK. The 2019 death of 39 Vietnamese migrants in a lorry container brought to light the dangers faced on such journeys. Victims of trafficking from Vietnam continue to be one of the largest groups in the UK, with many forced to work off debts in nail bars, restaurants, and cannabis farms. Social media and bilateral visa schemes facilitate these illegal migrations, with smugglers earning significant sums by arranging visas, jobs, and travel.

An investigation by The Observer has uncovered a 'forced labour' migration route from Vietnam to the UK, with Serbia and Romania being used as new gateways for smuggling and trafficking gangs. Over 500 Vietnamese workers were allegedly found working in forced labour conditions at the Linglong car tyre factory in Serbia. Workers are often exploited in factories and construction sites before being transported across land borders into the EU and eventually to the UK, facing debt bondage and charges up to £30,000 for passage. The 2019 death of 39 Vietnamese migrants in a lorry container highlighted the risks involved. Victims of trafficking in the UK, often forced to work in nail bars, restaurants, and cannabis farms, are predominantly Vietnamese. Recruitment agencies in Vietnam arrange guest worker visas, exploiting workers with 'Commitment not to escape forms' and false promises of well-paid work. Social media, particularly Facebook, is used by smuggling gangs to advertise 'VIP' routes out of Romania. Despite the dangers, many Vietnamese continue to undertake perilous journeys, including Channel crossings on inflatable rafts, driven by debt and the hope of better opportunities.

Elderly residents in Serbian gerontological centers have been isolated for over a year due to COVID-19 restrictions, with limited freedom of movement and family contact. Despite vaccination efforts, many remain confined, and the government's response has been criticized for lack of effectiveness and discrimination. The mental health impact of prolonged isolation is a growing concern, with experts calling for systemic psychological support. Legal and human rights organizations are challenging the measures, and the situation of the elderly in nursing homes is seen as indicative of the government's broader incompetence in handling vulnerable populations.

Serbia has experienced a disproportionately high death rate among doctors due to COVID-19 compared to other nations, with 72 doctors deceased. The Union of Doctors and Pharmacists attributes this to poor organization, fatigue, lack of equipment, and a healthcare system weakened by underfunding and a hiring freeze since 2013. Hospital management positions are often political appointments, and there have been issues with maintaining separate COVID-19 wards and providing adequate personal protective equipment. The government's response has been criticized, including controversial statements by the head of the COVID-19 response team. Despite new hospitals and donations, staffing shortages persist. Retired pulmonologist Slavica Plavsic has taken to offering help on Twitter, even saving a life.

Muslims in Serbia's Sandzak region are apprehensive of new ethnic violence following attacks on Montenegro's Muslim community after the August 30 elections. Incidents of vandalism and graffiti praising the Srebrenica massacre have instilled fear among Bosniaks. The Islamic Community in Serbia and the Sandzak Committee for Human Rights express concerns over unresolved war crimes and the Serbian government's failure to address past violence, which undermines trust and stability. Despite the tensions, there are signs of solidarity, such as the Serbian Orthodox Church's efforts to prevent violence. The Serbian government, led by Aleksandar Vučić, is accused of using ethnic divisions to distract from other issues. The recognition of Kosovo's independence remains a contentious issue between Belgrade and Bosniaks. Residents of Sandzak hope for peace and coexistence, drawing on historical resilience and inter-ethnic ties.

The signing of the agreement in Washington has put Serbia back on the global stage in terms of international activities. The agreement, initially intended to normalize relations between Belgrade and Pristina, surprised many with its focus on the Middle East and relations with Russia and China. A key point of contention is Serbia's decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This has strained Serbia's relations with many countries, including EU members and the Arab League. The Serbian government's approach to diplomacy has been criticized for its lack of consistency and strategic direction, with decisions seemingly made ad hoc to maintain President Aleksandar Vučić's power. Experts argue that Serbia's diplomatic position is compromised, and its international influence is diminished compared to the former Yugoslavia. The current state of Serbian diplomacy is seen as a departure from the 'Four Pillars of Diplomacy' policy, which was more consistent and strategic.

Serbia, traditionally seen as a Russian ally in the Balkans, is showing signs of distancing itself from Moscow. President Aleksandar Vučić announced a halt to arms purchases from Russia, turning to other suppliers like the US, Israel, and the UK. Military analyst Vlade Radulović notes a shift in Belgrade's foreign policy, with decreased activities with NATO and a stagnation in relations with Russia. Journalist Boško Jakšić suggests Serbia lacks a clear foreign policy direction, while former MP Đorđe Vukadinović views the Serbian-Russian connection as overstated, serving both domestic and Russian interests. The narrative of a strong Belgrade-Moscow alliance is challenged by Serbia's more symbolic military purchases from Russia and more substantial agreements with NATO.

Negotiations between Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske and Elektroprivreda Srbije have intensified regarding the construction of the Buk Bijela hydroelectric power station on the Drina River, potentially affecting Montenegro's territory. The project, originally planned in 1972, faces complications due to the environmental impact on the UNESCO-protected Tara River. Experts and program directors express concerns over the lack of transparency and the need for careful consideration of energy versus tourism interests. The involvement of a Chinese company and the potential political implications of Serbia's participation through the purchase of Elektroprivreda RS are also noted.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced a landslide victory for his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party in a parliamentary election marked by concerns over COVID-19 and an opposition boycott. The SNS secured over 60% of the vote, translating to around 190 seats in the 250-seat parliament, with the Socialist Party of Serbia as their coalition partner. The election, the first national vote in Europe since the pandemic, was held despite a lower turnout and allegations of corruption and unfair practices. The opposition's mass boycott did not materialize as expected. The political landscape in Serbia lacks a clear left-right delineation, and the election saw new parties and movements emerge to fill the void left by boycotting opposition parties. The election's legitimacy was questioned by opposition and democracy watchdogs, and concerns were raised about the potential for a post-election surge in COVID-19 cases. Key voter issues included the economy and the status of Kosovo, with speculation that the constitution could be amended post-election to facilitate negotiations.

Protests have erupted in Belgrade, Serbia, against the $3bn Belgrade Waterfront project, backed by the United Arab Emirates. Approximately 9,000 demonstrators protested against what they perceive as a corrupt relationship between Serbian officials and UAE investors. The project, a luxury complex, has been criticized for its funding structure, with concerns that the Serbian state will bear the financial burden. The protests were reignited by illegal demolitions to make way for the project, and revelations from the Panama Papers suggesting links between Serbian policymakers and UAE businessmen. The Serbian government's deal with UAE's Eagle Hills and Etihad Airways has faced scrutiny, with allegations of public money being appropriated for private gain. Critics argue that the project disregards public interest and contravenes human rights, with no benefit to Serbian citizens.

David McAllister, the European Parliament's Rapporteur for Serbia, warned that Serbia's policy of maintaining close ties with Russia while seeking EU membership is unsustainable. Serbia has not imposed sanctions on Russia following the annexation of Crimea, which EU officials view as an obstacle to integration. McAllister emphasized the need for Serbia to reduce energy imports from Russia and comply with EU energy market rules. Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic stated that Serbia would not impose sanctions on Russia and that EU membership remains a key priority. McAllister also reassured that Brexit would not affect Serbia's EU membership process.

Croatia and the UK have blocked Serbia from opening Chapter 23 in its EU membership talks, with Croatia citing substantial reasons and the UK citing technical reasons due to the Brexit referendum. The decision was made during the EU working group on Serbian negotiations under the Dutch presidency. Croatia demands Serbia to respect minority rights, cooperate with the ICTY, and revoke jurisdiction over war crimes from the 1990s conflicts. Serbia's Prime Minister-designate Aleksandar Vucic and Croatia's President Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic have discussed the issues. The next opportunity for Serbia to open Chapter 23 is June 30, but many EU diplomats predict a delay until September due to the current EU crisis.

Safet Pavlovic, the mayor of Zagubica in eastern Serbia and a member of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), gained notoriety after a video from a pre-election rally went viral. During the rally, Pavlovic compared the local electorate's support for the SNS to North Korea, suggesting that the party would achieve a sweeping victory in the municipality of Sige, with a predicted 95 percent of the vote. His comments sparked a flurry of witty responses from the local media.

Two Serbian embassy staff, Sladjana Stankovic and Jovica Stepic, were killed in a US airstrike targeting an Islamic State training camp in Libya. Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic confirmed the deaths, which occurred after the US aimed to eliminate senior Tunisian IS operative Noureddine Chouchane. There is controversy over Serbia's decision to maintain its embassy in Libya despite security risks. Serbia's participation in the US-led anti-IS coalition is minimal, and the incident is not expected to cause a major diplomatic scandal or divert Serbia from its anti-terrorist commitments. The country ratified a partnership plan with NATO, potentially affecting its relationship with Russia.