Serbian opposition parties have formally requested the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) cancel the planned Expo 2027 in Belgrade, citing significant concerns over potential corruption risks and financial mismanagement.
The request was submitted by the People's Movement of Serbia (NPS) and signed by various opposition groups, including New Face of Serbia (NLS), the Freedom and Justice Party (SSP), the Green-Left Front (ZLF), and others.
They argue that the Serbian government could exploit the event for corrupt practices, tarnishing both Serbia’s reputation and that of the BIE.
Opposition parties are raising alarms about the financial planning for Expo 2027. The projected costs for preparations are unclear, with reports estimating anywhere between €1 billion ($1.05 billion) and €18 billion.
This uncertainty, combined with the adoption of the law on the realization of the exhibition in 2023, which bypasses Serbia's public procurement laws, raises concerns about potential overspending and lack of transparency.
Without the usual public procurement oversight, critics argue that this could lead to inflated costs for contracts related to Expo 2027, further exacerbating the risk of financial mismanagement.
Despite opposition concerns, the Serbian government is pushing forward with the Expo plans. The event, set to take place from March 15 to August 15, 2027, will feature over 120 countries, international organizations, and companies, with a focus on the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All." Over 4 million visitors are expected to attend the exhibition.
Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vučić, has committed to investing €17.8 billion in Expo-related infrastructure, including facilities covering 250 hectares. This includes an exhibition center, a sports complex, a stadium, and a residential area with 1,500 apartments.
The government also plans to spend €46 million in 2025 on projects related to the Expo, including a national football stadium in Belgrade, part of the broader Expo infrastructure.
Despite political opposition, several global financial institutions have supported the potential economic benefits of the Expo. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the European Commission have all expressed optimism about the long-term positive effects the Expo will have on Serbia’s economy.
While the Serbian government frames Expo 2027 as an opportunity for significant economic growth, the opposition fears that financial mismanagement could undermine the benefits of such a large-scale event.
With infrastructure projects in the billions and concerns about corruption, the political tension surrounding the Expo is only growing.
As Expo 2027 approaches, the Serbian government’s investment in infrastructure and the country’s economic future are at the forefront. The opposition parties remain vocal about their concerns, urging both the Serbian government and the BIE to ensure that transparency, oversight, and proper financial management are prioritized.
The outcome of these debates will shape the future of Serbia’s involvement in the global exhibition, with significant economic implications for the country and its people.
