Serbia plans to adopt its first comprehensive artificial intelligence law by the end of 2026. The legislation is intended to set a formal framework for the development, deployment and supervision of AI systems. It applies across both the public and private sectors. The rules are expected to cover AI use cases involving citizens and organizations as well as providers and operators.
Scope of the proposed AI framework
The draft law is designed to move Serbia beyond reliance on strategic policy documents and sector-specific regulations. Serbia has already adopted a national AI strategy, but the new measure would introduce legally binding requirements. It would establish obligations for AI developers, operators and users. Certain duties would also extend to citizens and organizations that deploy AI technologies.
Lawmakers say the framework aims to provide legal certainty for businesses investing in artificial intelligence. They cite the rapid expansion of AI applications in banking, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and public administration. The proposed principles include transparency, accountability, data protection, safety and non-discrimination. The approach is described as closely mirroring the European Union’s AI Act.
European alignment and market implications
Serbia’s alignment with European regulation is presented as important for its technology sector. Serbian software companies, AI startups and outsourcing providers increasingly work with EU clients. They also participate in European digital supply chains. Harmonization with EU standards is expected to reduce regulatory uncertainty for exporters.
The institutional changes under the framework include creating a dedicated AI Agency and a national Register of AI Systems. These bodies are expected to be established after the law enters into force. They would function as primary supervisory entities for oversight, compliance monitoring and implementation guidance. Existing AI providers would receive transition periods to adapt their systems and operational processes.
Effects across industries using AI
The legislation’s impact is expected to extend beyond technology companies into multiple sectors. Banks increasingly use AI-driven risk assessment models. Manufacturers are adopting predictive maintenance systems, while logistics firms use optimization algorithms. Energy companies are deploying AI for forecasting and grid management.
A formal legal framework is expected to influence procurement requirements, governance structures, cybersecurity obligations and documentation standards across these industries. Policymakers also point to broader European efforts to balance innovation with concerns including privacy, intellectual property, algorithmic bias and automated decision-making. Serbia’s proposed approach reflects an international trend of treating AI as critical economic infrastructure rather than only a technological innovation.
For investors, regulatory predictability is highlighted as a factor supporting capital deployment. This is particularly relevant in sectors where compliance risks are described as uncertain. As Serbia seeks to strengthen its role as a regional technology hub, the introduction of a dedicated AI law is positioned within its digital economy strategy. The measure would bring Serbia closer to the regulatory architecture emerging across the European Union.
