Serbia and Montenegro face delays in infrastructure and economic promises

An analysis of government commitments in Serbia reveals significant delays in key economic and infrastructure projects promised prior to the 2023 elections. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Finance Minister Siniša Mali, and Assembly President Ana Brnabić pledged that average salaries would reach 1,400 euros and pensions 650 euros by the end of 2027. However, current data shows average net salaries at approximately 1,000 euros and pensions at roughly 480 euros.

Infrastructure projects are also facing setbacks. The construction of the National Stadium in Surčin, intended to host the European Championship final by December 2026, is now expected to be completed around 2028, according to experts. Additionally, a major road tender for the Čevo-Nikšić section, valued at over 44 million euros, is likely delayed until 2027 due to a lack of allocated funds in the current capital budget.

In Montenegro, the tender for the Cetinje–Čevo–Nikšić highway section has been postponed. Despite previous plans to initiate the procurement process in 2026, the current budget allocates only 125,000 euros toward the project, which is insufficient for the multi-million euro undertaking.