Serbia’s proposed infrastructure policy changes could affect public investment programmes worth billions of euros, with major construction contracts, procurement procedures and contractor eligibility facing closer scrutiny.
The Students’ List, which won the election, has proposed establishing an independent expert commission to review public expenditure, alongside revising special investment legislation and strengthening professional accountability. The Morava Corridor motorway, Belgrade Metro and Expo 2027-related investments are among the projects identified for examination.
The proposals remain policy plans rather than adopted government decisions. Contracts found through appropriate legal procedures to involve corruption or unjustified expenditure could be terminated, while projects meeting the required standards would continue.
Independent commission to assess project costs
Approximately 20 specialists contributed to the Students’ List programme for construction and infrastructure. It envisages an independent commission that would examine public investments and report to the government every three months.
The review would assess technical justification, construction costs, procurement procedures and whether projects serve the public interest. Its work could cover feasibility studies, engineering documentation, contractor selection, construction supervision, contract amendments and payment records.
Cost increases resulting from design changes, geological conditions, inflation and additional works would need to be distinguished from unjustified expenditure. Projects contracted before detailed technical documentation is completed could receive particular scrutiny because of the potential for scope changes, cost escalation and disputes.
Morava Corridor and Belgrade Metro face reassessment
The Morava Corridor motorway has been identified as a priority, with the proposed examination covering original contract prices, amendments, certified construction quantities, additional works and payment certificates.
The project involves extensive construction supply chains, including earthworks, bridges, road structures, electrical systems, telecommunications, machinery, materials suppliers and subcontractors. Any review would need to distinguish the responsibilities of principal contractors from those of domestic suppliers that have carried out legitimate work.
The Belgrade Metro would also be assessed, particularly the relationship between project expenditure and expected transport benefits. Changes to construction sequencing could affect financing requirements, procurement packages, equipment deliveries and contractor mobilisation. Modifying existing agreements or schedules could generate additional costs, including potential claims for delays, redesign and changes to construction arrangements.
Expo 2027 expenditure to be separated from wider investment
The proposed programme would maintain Serbia’s international commitments for Expo 2027, while reassessing which investments should be classified as directly related to the exhibition.
The wider national investment programme associated with preparations for 2027 has been presented at approximately €17.8 billion, covering transport, energy, healthcare, education, technology and other infrastructure. This amount does not represent the standalone construction cost of the Expo exhibition. The review would distinguish essential Expo-related expenditure from other projects that require independent economic justification, potentially affecting investment priorities, procurement schedules and capital expenditure.
Special legislation and contractor eligibility
The programme proposes revising special laws that allow designated projects to operate under procedures different from ordinary construction and procurement rules.
It also envisages a register of construction companies found to have breached legal or professional standards, potentially restricting their eligibility for publicly financed projects. Professional accountability would be strengthened through the Serbian Chamber of Engineers, including possible disciplinary measures affecting engineering licences. Any exclusion or sanction would require transparent criteria, reliable evidence and legally enforceable procedures, including the right to challenge findings.
Contract cancellations could affect lenders and suppliers
The possible termination of major public contracts represents one of the most financially sensitive proposals. The consequences would depend on the relevant agreements, governing law, dispute-resolution provisions, compensation rules and treatment of completed works.
International contractors may have additional protections under applicable investment agreements, while projects financed by international financial institutions or foreign lenders could be subject to specific procurement and financing conditions. Domestic construction companies could also face disruption. Local firms supply materials, machinery, transport, engineering services, technical supervision and mechanical and electrical installations. Delays or restructuring could affect payment schedules, future workloads and access to working capital.
Banks financing construction operations, equipment purchases and working capital would also need to assess their exposure to potentially affected contracts. The proposed reforms would therefore require a balance between stronger procurement controls and the protection of legitimate commercial agreements, verified payments and economically viable infrastructure projects.
