Serbia considers Ibar river diversion amid Kosovo tensions; Vučić inspects Belgrade bridge works

Ibar river diversion Gazivode Lake Old Railway Bridge reconstruction Belgrade on Water Serbia-Kosovo relations

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has announced that the state is investigating the possibility of diverting the course of the Ibar River. This measure is being considered in response to the ongoing tensions regarding the treatment of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, particularly following actions by Pristina near the Gazivode Lake. Experts and engineers have been commissioned to study the potential hydrological and infrastructural implications of such a move.

Separately, Vučić inspected the reconstruction of the Old Railway Bridge in Belgrade, part of the "Belgrade Waterfront" project. The bridge is being converted into a modern three-level pedestrian attraction that will include cafes and a viewing platform, featuring the "Belgrade Eye." While Vučić expressed satisfaction with the project's future as a major landmark, he voiced dissatisfaction with the current speed of construction, noting that the work is expected to be completed by April 2027.

During a visit to Belegiš in the Stara Pazova municipality, Vučić highlighted regional economic growth and discussed continued investments in local religious, educational, and infrastructure projects, noting that the local budget has increased significantly since 2012.

Entities: Aleksandar Vučić · Belgrade · Belgrade Waterfront · Ibar River · Kosovo · Kosovo and Metohija · Serbia · Stara Pazova · Đorđe Radinović

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] The reconstructed bridge is intended to be a three-level attraction featuring a viewing platform and 'Belgrade Eye'. (Aleksandar Vučić)
[● 2 SOURCES] The budget of the municipality of Stara Pazova is currently 3.5 times larger than it was in 2012. (Aleksandar Vučić)
[● 4 SOURCES] Vučić expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the Old Railway Bridge reconstruction works. (Aleksandar Vučić)
[● 5 SOURCES] Aleksandar Vučić announced that Serbia is considering changing the course of the Ibar river. (Aleksandar Vučić)
[● 3 SOURCES] Vučić remarked that entering a war with NATO is not an option for Serbia. (Aleksandar Vučić)
[● 5 SOURCES] Experts, engineers, and construction sector professionals have been engaged to study the potential river diversion. (Aleksandar Vučić)
[● 4 SOURCES] The reconstruction of the Old Railway Bridge in Belgrade into a pedestrian bridge is expected to be finished by April 2027. (Aleksandar Vučić)
[● 3 SOURCES] Vučić stated that the state is working to improve the living conditions of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. (Aleksandar Vučić)