What's happened
Protests in Belgrade oppose plans to demolish a NATO-bombed military complex for a Kushner-backed hotel project. The government has pushed legislation to proceed despite legal and heritage concerns, amid ongoing anti-corruption protests and regional sensitivities.
What's behind the headline?
The controversy over the Belgrade military complex reveals deeper tensions in Serbia. The government’s push to proceed with the Kushner-backed project underscores a prioritization of economic development over heritage preservation. The protests reflect a broader resistance to perceived corruption and foreign influence, especially given Serbia’s historical anti-NATO sentiment. The legislation to fast-track demolition signals a potential erosion of legal protections for cultural sites, risking long-term damage to Serbia’s heritage. The project’s regional implications are significant, as it highlights ongoing debates about sovereignty, foreign influence, and national identity. The European Union’s concerns about rule of law further complicate Serbia’s political landscape, suggesting that this issue is part of a broader struggle over democratic integrity and regional stability. The outcome will likely influence Serbia’s domestic politics and its EU accession prospects, with heritage and national sentiment playing central roles in shaping public opinion and policy.
What the papers say
The AP News articles detail the protests and legislative developments, emphasizing the public opposition and legal hurdles. The New York Times highlights the political maneuvering and the controversy surrounding the Kushner-linked project, noting the broader anti-corruption protests and regional sensitivities. The Independent provides background on the deal’s origins and the cultural significance of the site, illustrating the deep-rooted tensions between heritage preservation and economic interests. These sources collectively portray a complex picture of Serbia’s ongoing struggle between modernization, national identity, and historical memory.
How we got here
The site, damaged in the 1999 NATO bombing, is considered a cultural and historical landmark. The Serbian government signed a lease with Kushner's Affinity Global Development in 2024 to develop a luxury complex, stripping the site of protected status. The project has sparked protests and legal disputes amid broader anti-corruption protests and regional sensitivities about NATO's role in Serbia's history.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why is Serbia demolishing a NATO-bombed site and what's the controversy?
Serbia's plans to demolish a historic military site damaged during NATO's 1999 bombing have sparked widespread debate. Many wonder why the government is moving forward with this project, despite protests and legal disputes. This page explores the background, the key issues involved, and what it means for Serbia's heritage and rule of law. Read on to understand the full story behind this controversial redevelopment effort.
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Why Is Serbia Demolishing a NATO Bombed Site?
Serbia's plans to demolish a historic military complex damaged during NATO's 1999 bombing have sparked widespread controversy. Many wonder why the government is moving forward with this project, despite protests and legal challenges. This page explores the reasons behind Serbia's redevelopment efforts, the protests involved, and what it means for heritage and rule of law in the country.
More on these topics
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Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe in the southern Pannonian Plain and the central Balkans.
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Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
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Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and the crossroads of the Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula.
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.