Serbia acts as a leader in the digital economy, which reflects its credibility and stability. This year, for the first time in history, it has received credit rating at investment level, which represents a significant signal of economic stability at global level. In terms of growth, it is one of the most dynamic economies of Europe – in the first three quarters of 2024 it was the second fastest growing country, consolidating the position of the dominant economy in the region and becoming a driving force in its development.
Infrastructure investments are fully fully – nine new motorways are being built, as well as other projects, including hospitals and schools to help improve the quality of life of the population. Macroeconomic stability is maintained, with a public debt reaching 46.5 % of GDP, which is below 50 %. By 2027, the implementation of 323 projects throughout the country is planned to be several billion euros, which will further support economic development and increase the standard of living.
The specialized Expo in Belgrade will take place from 15 May to 15 August 2027. Its main theme will be “Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All” (Sport and Music for All). More than 4 million visitors and more than 140 countries are expected. This event will be the first specialized Expo Fair in the Balkans and will give Serbia a unique opportunity to present its progress in the field of infrastructure, tourism, technology and art.
Global opportunity for Serbia
Preparations for Expo 2027 in Belgrade represent a unique opportunity for Serbia to present their progress in various sectors on the global scene. For more than 170 years, EXPO events have been serving as a center of technological innovations and cultural successes, providing countries from the platform to present their development to the world. Belgrade as a future host has a chance to actively contribute to shaping the future. However, the organization of such an extensive international event also brings considerable challenges.
Linking local and global trends
Expo 2027 is an exceptional opportunity for Serbia not only to emphasize domestic innovation, but also to consolidate its position on the global scene. The theme “Game for Humanity – Sport and Music for All” is a wide scope. The key task of the organizers will be to create a comprehensive vision that connects the local success of Serbia with global trends and balances cultural, technological and environmental aspects.
Inclusance and involvement of the audience
The main aim of the preparations is to ensure that the event appeals to a diverse audience, including families, young people and experts. This inclusiveness is in accordance with the aim of Expo to reach a wide range of interests to make the experience attractive to everyone, from ordinary visitors to industry experts.
Development of infrastructure
The development of infrastructure will be a key part of Serbia’s preparation for Expo 2027. The country has earmarked significant investments – several billion dollars – for various projects that will enable Belgrade to manage the influx of international visitors. These funds are directed to the construction of new motorways, modernization of public transport and the construction of a direct railway line connecting the Belgrade airport with the venue of the exhibition, thus ensuring smooth transport. In addition, Belgrade will be strengthened by new buses and trams to improve mobility during the Expo.
Venue of the exhibition
The Expo area is located on an area of 167 hectares in Surčina, near Nikola Tesla Airport. Of these, 113 hectares will be reserved for the EXPO complex, which includes 83 hectares of the exhibition area, 6.9 hectares for accommodation and 22.9 hectares for commercial use. The dominant element of the area will be a 40 meter wide central promenade, surrounded by extensive exterior spaces with cafes, restaurants and relaxation zones. The Serbian National Pavilion will become the central point of the exhibition and will be used for museum and exhibition purposes after its completion.
Completion of the process
An important step in EXPO 2027 is the introduction of the Lex Specialis law, which simplifies administrative processes and allows for faster implementation of infrastructure projects. This legal framework ensures efficient and timely construction, minimizes bureaucratic obstacles and allows for more agile management of projects.
Financial challenges
Some experts estimate the total cost of the EXPO 2027 at an amazing EUR 18 billion or more, but the Minister of Finance denied. He stated that this amount concerns a wider investment program that exceeds the Expo project itself. Direct investments for EXPO are approximately EUR 1.2 billion and include the construction of a new city district in Surčina with a residential complex, water center and the National Stadium.
However, a significant part of the 2025 budget is earmarked for EXPO. According to the official budget plans, approximately 46 billion dinars are allocated to the event in 2025, with another 47.5 billion dinars planned for 2026.
Another challenge is to ensure the involvement of micropods and small companies in the supply chains. This requires sufficient capacity in terms of quantity and quality, as all work must meet the highest standards.
Short dates
Serbia is facing a critical call for deadlines, as all preparatory work must be completed by the end of 2026. Subsequently, the Bureau International des Special Commission will examine the infrastructure and facilities to issue a final permission to organize the event.
The project of such a scope requires the involvement of a wide range of construction companies, effective cooperation between all levels of state administration and the participation of various public enterprises.
Preparations of infrastructure
Belgrade will have to invest significantly in extensive infrastructure projects, including expansion of the transport network (roads, bridges, metro), modernization of the airport and improve public transport systems to handle the onslaught of hundreds of thousands of expected visitors. The main challenges remain the timetable and the availability of financial resources for the implementation of these projects.
Sustainable construction
As EXPO emphasizes sustainability, Belgrade faces a challenge to build objects that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and harmonized with modern ecological construction standards. This includes material recycling, the use of renewable energy sources and the creation of green urban areas.
Organization and logistics of the event
Logistics preparation of EXPO is a significant challenge – from the management of a large number of visitors, delegations and exhibitors to coordination with security forces, hygiene teams and volunteers. Belgrade must ensure effective cooperation of all stakeholders to avoid organizational complications during the event.
The availability of the workforce
Although foreign workers are also expected to prepare EXPO, it remains a question whether Serbia will have a sufficient number of skilled workforce to complete all projects and ensure adequate volunteers for the event.
Accommodation capacity
Over the three months of EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, more than 4 million visitors are expected, many of them need accommodation, especially at the time of the highest traffic. This will undoubtedly load existing capacities.
Currently, Belgrade has 109 hotels with a total of 7434 rooms, which is 10084 beds for 13783 guests. Hotels are divided into three-, four- and five-star categories. In addition to traditional hotels, the city also offers 3184 rental units, which increased the total accommodation capacity to 18141 units.
Other possibilities for visitors are also provided by nearby cities, especially areas in Vojvodina.
Hotel occupancy
The average occupancy of hotels in Belgrade is between 60 and 70 %, while reaching the highest level during the tourist season and important events. The market is divided into business passengers (40 %), leisure tourists (50 %) and events visitors (10 %), and there is a significant increase in connection with the Expo 2027 exhibition in Belgrade.
Strengthening international ties
Serbia will face a wide range of countries in the diplomatic field and ensure their participation in Expo 2027. Events of this kind have a significant diplomatic dimension and the ability of Serbia to attract countries from around the world to strengthen its international reputation. Through cultural diplomacy and cooperation with global industries, Serbia has a unique opportunity to establish himself as an important world scene player.
Long -term growth and transformation
Expo 2027 represents an opportunity for Serbia a significant transformation. Although the organization of such an extensive event brings challenges, it also allows the country to define the future. In effective management, Expo can lay the foundations of long -term growth of Belgrade in the areas of infrastructure, tourism and technology. This event will leave a permanent legacy not only from the economic but also from the cultural point of view, and consolidate the position of Serbia as a leading country in the Western Balkans.
