AGP Executive Report

Transport & EU border rules: Bosnia’s Communications Minister Edin Forto warned that coordinated protests by professional transporters across the Western Balkans over the EU Schengen 90/180 driver rule are bigger than transport, stressing BiH can’t change EU rules and the solution must come from Brussels. Justice & safety: Tuzla Canton prosecutors indicted seven people over the 2025 nursing home fire that killed 15 elderly residents and injured more than 30, including the former director and those tied to fire-safety and risk assessments. Trade policy push: A Bosnia Chamber of Commerce-linked commentary argues BiH’s large foreign-trade deficit should be met by stronger “buy domestic” policies, using barcode 387-style labeling to keep spending and jobs at home. EU enlargement debate: An analysis ahead of the European Commission’s enlargement document says Montenegro and Albania could be near the finish line, but warns the EU must not ignore reform and bilateral issues across the rest of the region. Aviation & growth: ACI EUROPE says Sarajevo International Airport’s passenger traffic is 28.6% above 2019 and connectivity up 40%, contributing around €300m to BiH GDP and needing institutional support for runway and terminal projects. Energy deal scrutiny: Investigative reporting highlights a BAM 240.5m RS purchase of Comsar Energy Republika Srpska, paid upfront and later covered via rebalancing and borrowing, raising questions about valuation and forecasts. Business & investment climate: ACI EUROPE’s push for air connectivity and the transport protests both point to how cross-border rules and infrastructure decisions can directly shape BiH’s competitiveness.

Aviation & Growth: ACI EUROPE urged Bosnia and Herzegovina to protect air connectivity as Sarajevo International Airport posts 28.6% higher passenger traffic than 2019 and 40% higher connectivity, with airport activity supporting about €300m of GDP. Energy Deal Watch: Bosnia’s Serb entity faces scrutiny over the BAM 240.5m Comsar Energy Republika Srpska purchase, reportedly paid at three times share capital value with large upfront payments and valuation tied to future projects. Business Rescue: Libertas GH in trouble is moving from business rescue to liquidation after a second rescue practitioner said “undue pressure” made rescue “inevitable,” with a creditors’ meeting cancelled pending a liquidation court application. Regional Trade & Mobility: Sarajevo Run Fest 2026 (Sept 12-13) brings 3,000+ runners from 50+ countries, boosting city footfall and local services. EU Path Politics: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said Serbia must face the past and questioned celebrating Ratko Mladić, while Serbia’s caretaker FM Marko Djuric pushed for “win-win” EU accession cooperation.

Aviation & Growth: ACI EUROPE says Sarajevo International Airport is now 28.6% above its 2019 passenger level and connectivity is up 40%, adding about €300m to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s GDP—while urging faster support for runway, terminal and fuel-storage upgrades. EU Accession Pressure: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos links Serbia’s EU path to reconciliation and rule of law after the state-honours funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, warning the decision could undermine candidacy. Regional Politics & Elections: Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić announced snap elections for Oct. 25 and plans to run for prime minister, with EU criticism over the Mladić funeral adding fuel to the campaign. Business & Mobility: Bosnia’s BiH airport connectivity push comes alongside reports of direct flights from Sarajevo to the US “soon,” while a separate US E-2 investor visa list highlights treaty-based eligibility for citizens of specific countries. Culture with a Business Angle: A 15-year-old from Bugojno has submitted a LEGO Ideas model of Sarajevo’s Sebilj, hitting 7,200 votes quickly—aiming for 10,000 to unlock a commercial set. Climate Risk: Western Europe’s hottest summer on record, with drought and low river flows, is sharpening the case for adaptation—an issue that can quickly translate into costs for transport, energy and agriculture.

Adriatic Film & TV Awards: The Film and TV Academy of the Adriatic Region has named nominees for this year’s AFA, with DJ Ahmet leading (7 nods) and Yugo Florida close behind (6), while God Will Not Help, Mother and Wind, and Wind, Talk to Me also rack up major recognition—another spotlight for regional producers and rights holders. EU Enlargement Pressure: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said EU candidates should avoid building dependencies on the US MAGA movement, warning it could clash with Brussels’ long-term interests; she also tied the message to broader “adversaries” shaping enlargement politics. Serbia EU Question: Kos added that after the state-honours funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić, EU officials must assess whether Serbia remains a suitable candidate—linking reconciliation, rule of law, and strategic orientation to accession credibility. Bosnia Connectivity & Aviation: BiH’s communications minister Edin Forto met ACI Europe to discuss growth in air traffic, citing 2.2 million passengers a year and pushing for better conditions for new routes and fewer burdensome airport-related costs. Infobip Expansion: Croatia’s tech group Infobip marked 20 years with continued international growth and plans for a new Sarajevo campus, while reporting strong revenue and profit momentum and deepening AI-driven transformation.

EU Enlargement Pressure: EU Commissioner Marta Kos told candidate countries to cut ties with Trump’s MAGA movement, warning against political and economic dependencies that clash with Brussels’ long-term interests. Sarajevo Connectivity: Bosnia’s Communications Minister Edin Forto met ACI Europe chief Olivier Jankovec, citing growth to 2.2 million passengers a year and pushing for better conditions for further air-traffic expansion, including revisiting airport taxi rules. US–BiH Flights: Sarajevo International Airport hosted a US Embassy delegation to discuss a long-running push for direct flights between Sarajevo and the United States, alongside trade and investment links. Regional Politics Watch: Serbia’s EU path faces new strain after Ratko Mladić’s state-linked funeral sparked EU backlash, while Vučić announced elections for Oct. 25. Innovation Partnerships: China and Central and Eastern European countries unveiled a 2030 vision for innovation cooperation, focusing on AI, biotech and green energy. Defense Industry Deal: Turkey’s MKE set up a fully owned subsidiary in Cairo to support joint production in Egypt. Business/Health Tech: Medicana highlighted robot-assisted heart surgery through small ports, keeping the surgeon in control.

EU Enlargement Pressure: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos warned candidate countries to cut ties with Donald Trump’s MAGA and avoid political dependencies that clash with EU interests, as Brussels also frames Russia as an “adversary.” Sarajevo–US Connectivity: Sarajevo International Airport met the US Embassy to push a long-running plan for direct flights to the United States and to deepen trade, investment and security cooperation. Diplomatic Fallout in BiH–Serbia: Bosnia and Herzegovina declared two Serbian embassy staff persona non grata and ordered them to leave within 48 hours after the Ratko Mladić funeral row, while Sarajevo also withdrew support for a regional cooperation declaration. Regional Business & Industry: Sisecam announced a new magnetron sputtering coater investment in India, and Turkish defense firm MKE opened a wholly owned subsidiary in Egypt to pursue joint production projects. Security & Migration: German and Serbian police arrested senior suspects in a Syrian smuggling network accused of moving 900+ people into the EU.

Diplomatic Fallout in BiH-Serbia: Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled two Serbian embassy staff in Sarajevo—military attaché Milan Dulanović and BIA adviser Darko Maksimović—giving them 48 hours to leave, while also withdrawing consent for a regional cooperation declaration, after Belgrade’s state-backed funeral for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. EU Pressure: EU Commission and Council leaders called the funeral’s official support “deeply regrettable” and warned it contradicts Serbia’s EU path, with possible next steps being discussed. Regional Trade Risk: Logistics firms from Bosnia and the wider region plan EU border blockades from 14 September over the Schengen stay-limit for Western Balkan professional drivers, warning of disruption to supply chains. Energy Costs Watch: Serbia’s diesel hit an all-time high amid global oil market disruptions and domestic factors like transport constraints from low Danube water levels. Election Season Signals: Bosnia’s 4 October 2026 general elections are framed as a governance-model battle, with the Presidency’s role in government formation adding uncertainty for coalition talks.

Diplomatic Retaliation: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković ordered the expulsion of two Serbian embassy staff in Sarajevo and is weighing further cuts to the Belgrade mission, citing Serbia’s handling of the funeral and public honours for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. EU Accession Pressure: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU officials said the funeral’s official support and turnout are “deeply regrettable” and could affect Serbia’s EU path, with possible next steps including freezing support. Regional Trade & Transport: Logistics hauliers from Bosnia and the region plan EU border blockades from 14 September over the Schengen stay-limit for Western Balkan professional drivers, warning of detentions and disruption to supply chains. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Work advanced on the Kvanj Tunnel on BiH’s Corridor Vc motorway section, a China–BiH–EU-linked project aimed at better access to European markets. Business Links: Libya’s Medsky is in talks for direct flights between Sarajevo and Tripoli, with the aim of boosting travel, trade and tourism. Labor Productivity Watch: An ILO snapshot puts BiH’s labor productivity at 26.3 international dollars per hour worked (2025), below the global average. Sports Governance: Belgium’s football federation said it won’t back FIFA chief Gianni Infantino’s re-election, citing transparency issues and the Folarin Balogun suspension case involving Bosnia.

Infrastructure & Trade: The Kvanj Tunnel on Bosnia’s Kvanj–Buna motorway section was holed through, advancing Corridor Vc and boosting Herzegovina’s links to the rest of BiH and European markets. Aviation & Tourism: Libyan carrier Medsky is making progress toward launching direct flights between Sarajevo and Tripoli, aiming to support travel, trade, and tourism. Labor Market: New ILO data shows labor productivity remains a major Western Balkans challenge, with Bosnia and Herzegovina at 26.3 international dollars per hour worked (below the global average). Business & Diplomacy: Israel’s Chamber of Commerce opened an office in Banja Luka, signaling deeper economic ties with Republika Srpska amid wider political controversy. EU/Regional Security Industry: EU ambassador Luigi Soreca said around 200 Balkan companies can produce NATO-standard ammunition, with Bosnia and Serbia leading regional capacity. Sports Governance (with local links): Belgium’s football federation withdrew support for FIFA chief Gianni Infantino’s re-election, citing FIFA’s handling of the Folarin Balogun case tied to Bosnia. Employment: Sarajevo’s job fair “Gledaj sebi posla” drew 140+ companies and focused on workforce shortages, youth employment, inclusion, and future skills.

War & Politics Spillover: Thousands gathered in Belgrade for the funeral of convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal Ratko Mladić, with EU officials again condemning the “glorification” of a genocide convict; Bosnia’s Denis Zvizdić said EU reactions are “mild and sterile,” while UEFA also fined Red Star and hit away-fan travel with sanctions after Mladic tributes. Sports Governance: Belgium’s football federation withdrew support for FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, citing transparency and governance concerns and FIFA’s handling of Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red-card suspension. Defense & Industry: An EU security conference in Sarajevo heard that around 200 Western Balkan companies can produce NATO-standard ammunition, with Bosnia and Serbia highlighted for capacity. Business & Investment: Bosnia’s Presidency met US Congressmen Murphy and Veasey, stressing stability as a prerequisite for investment and flagging the Southern Gas Interconnection; separately, the Israeli Chamber of Commerce opened a Banja Luka office to deepen trade ties with Republika Srpska. Jobs & Skills: Sarajevo’s “Gledaj sebi posla” job fair drew 140+ companies and focused on workforce shortages, youth employment, inclusion, digital skills and AI’s impact on jobs. Local Economy: Zenica coal miners protested unpaid wages outside the Sarajevo government building.

MMA & Sports Business: Sarajevo’s KK Bosna added former NBA forward Reggie Perry, a 2020 second-round pick who averaged 14.1 points and 7.5 rebounds last season in China, underlining how regional clubs keep pulling international talent. Foreign Investment & Energy: Bosnia’s Presidency member Željko Komšić met US Congressmen Greg Murphy and Marc Veasey, with both sides stressing that stability is key for attracting investments and highlighting the Southern Gas Interconnection as a growth and energy-security project. Trade & Diplomacy: Israel opened an Israeli Chamber of Commerce office in Republika Srpska’s Banja Luka, aiming to turn political ties into business links for Israeli firms seeking opportunities in the entity and the wider region. EU Integration & Governance: Komšić also met UK Special Envoy Dame Karen Pierce, with a focus on continued UK support for BiH reforms tied to stability and socio-economic development. Elections & Public Resources: The “Under Scrutiny” coalition says it has logged 528 election irregularities ahead of BiH’s vote, including 206 cases each of premature campaigning and misuse of public resources, and reports 17 sanctions totaling 87,500 KM. Media Freedom: SafeJournalists warns of growing unexplained Meta account restrictions in Albania affecting media and public-interest accounts, raising concerns for civic and business-related information flows. Data & Statistics: The EU4ADMIN project wrapped up in Tarčin, aiming to improve BiH’s official statistics by expanding the use of administrative data across institutions. Security & Regional Influence: EU envoy Luigi Soreca warned that foreign interference is increasing in the Western Balkans and said EU enlargement is now part of the bloc’s wider security strategy.

Israel-BiH Trade Push: The Israeli Chamber of Commerce opened an office in Banja Luka, aiming to turn political ties with Republika Srpska into ongoing business links for Israeli firms and the wider region. Investment & Energy Focus: BiH Presidency member Željko Komšić met US Congressmen Greg Murphy and Marc Veasey, with both sides stressing stability as a prerequisite for investment and highlighting the Southern Gas Interconnection and economic cooperation. EU Integration & Reforms: Komšić also met UK Special Envoy Karen Pierce, with talks centered on continued UK support for BiH reforms, election transparency, and faster socio-economic progress. Election Integrity Watch: The “Under Scrutiny” coalition says it has recorded 528 election irregularities so far and pushed 101 initiatives to the Central Election Commission, with sanctions totaling 87,500 KM. Stats System Upgrade: The EU4ADMIN project wrapped up after nearly three years, aiming to improve how BiH uses administrative data to produce official statistics. Media Freedom Concern: SafeJournalists warns that Meta has restricted or blocked accounts of media and public-interest groups in Albania without clear explanations.

Israel–RS Business Push: Israel opened its first Chamber of Commerce office in Republika Srpska in Banja Luka, with officials including Amichai Chikli and Milorad Dodik framing it as a “permanent point of contact” to boost trade, investment and technology links. EU Reform & Data Capacity: The EU4ADMIN project wrapped up after nearly three years, aiming to improve Bosnia’s official statistics by expanding how administrative data is used across institutions. Security & Industry Angle: EU envoy Luigi Soreca warned of rising foreign interference in the Western Balkans and said Bosnia and the region are increasingly tied to Europe’s security, including regional capacity to produce NATO-standard ammunition. Migration Enforcement: Bosnia detained 96 migrants in two border operations, including 18 Afghans, as authorities continue to target illegal entry routes toward the EU. Local Economy/Infrastructure: Bosnia’s Presidency approved new consular and international accords, while the Council of Ministers allocated 4 million BAM for Annex VII Dayton projects. Sports & Business Attention: UEFA fined Serbia’s Red Star Belgrade 90,000 euros and restricted away ticket sales after fans glorified Ratko Mladić—another reminder of how reputational risk can hit club finances.

EU Reform Push: Bosnia’s EU envoy Luigi Soreca says foreign interference is rising across the Western Balkans and frames EU enlargement as part of Europe’s security strategy, citing €98m in regional security support (including €35m for BiH). Election Integrity: The “Under Scrutiny” coalition reports 528 election irregularities in the pre-campaign period and has filed 101 initiatives to the Central Election Commission, with 17 sanctions totaling 87,500 KM. Administrative Data Upgrade: The EU4ADMIN project wraps up in Tarčin, aiming to improve how Bosnia uses administrative records to produce official statistics. Energy & Connectivity: A new Energy Community framework could prioritize regional grid and storage projects; Bosnia is also mentioned in cross-border line rehabilitation plans. Cross-Border Enforcement: Croatia removed and fined several men, including Bosnian citizens, over social media posts glorifying Ratko Mladić. Security Procurement (US): The U.S. ATF plans a sole-source purchase of a Roshel Senator armored vehicle, citing urgent delivery needs.

EU Enlargement & Security: EU envoy Luigi Soreca warned that foreign interference is rising across the Western Balkans and said EU enlargement is now part of Europe’s security strategy, noting €98m in security support for the region (including €35m for BiH). EU Values Clash: Serbia’s EU path faces new pressure after Commissioner Marta Kos postponed a Belgrade visit over the glorification of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić; Irish officials also said a state funeral would be unacceptable for the EU. Local Enforcement & Permits: Croatia removed and fined several Bosnian citizens over social-media posts glorifying Mladić, with residence/work permits revoked and entry bans initiated. Governance & Elections: The “Under Scrutiny” coalition reported 528 election irregularities and 17 CEC sanctions worth 87,500 KM so far, targeting misuse of public resources and premature campaigning. Statistics & EU Integration: The EU4ADMIN project wrapped up after nearly three years, aiming to boost BiH’s use of administrative data for official statistics. Migration: Bosnia detained 96 migrants (including 18 Afghans) after attempted illegal border crossings. Business & Investment: BiH’s Presidency approved a new consulate in Split and several multilateral accords, including aviation and tourism cooperation.

EU Security & Industry: EU envoy Luigi Soreca warned that foreign interference is rising across the Western Balkans, tying Bosnia directly to Europe’s security. He said the EU has provided €98m in security support to the region (including €35m for Bosnia) and noted that over 200 regional companies can produce NATO-standard ammunition, mainly in Serbia and Bosnia. EU Enlargement Politics: Bosnia’s FM Elmedin Konaković said EU enlargement is now a strategic and security need, arguing reforms can move faster when there’s a credible European goal. BiH Governance & Accords: The BiH Presidency approved a new consulate in Split and ratified/approved a broad set of international instruments, including AI, civil aviation, free trade updates, e-commerce rules, tobacco control, and labor standards. Elections & Campaign Climate: Bosnia’s election campaign is set to start amid high political tension, with 518 officials to be elected and CEC calls to strictly follow election law, including hate-speech bans. Domestic Legal Pressure: Federal Minister Vojin Mijatović said an indictment by POSKOK is a “political process,” stressing cooperation with prosecutors and urging public awareness of all sides. Defense & Tech: Bosnia showcased domestically produced drones at the “First Balkan Shield” defense fair, highlighting growing local capacity in unmanned systems. Migration Enforcement: Bosnia police detained 96 migrants (including 18 Afghans) in operations targeting illegal border crossings. Regional War-Crime Fallout: EU officials condemned Serbia’s Mladić-related commemorations; Ireland’s EU presidency warned a state funeral would be unacceptable, while Serbia prepares Mladić’s burial.