President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia has expressed significant pride in the preparations for EXPO 2027, emphasizing the event's importance beyond the capital city of Belgrade.

In recent statements, he highlighted the expected developments in infrastructure, including a new railway connecting Nikola Tesla Airport to various parts of Belgrade, and the significant urban development it will bring, particularly in the area designated for the Expo.

Vučić noted that the Expo is not merely about building a site in Belgrade but encompasses wider economic initiatives, including new highways and public investments throughout the country.

He stated, "For me, Serbia is from Prokletija to Subotica, from Pirot to Sombor," underlining a comprehensive national vision.

He announced plans for the construction of 1,500 new apartments, aiming to allocate these residences fairly among various public service groups, including nurses and teachers, ensuring a broad reach within the community.

In discussing economic concerns, Vučić sought to reassure the public regarding the implications of increasing the minimum wage on employment.

He stated that approximately 95,000 individuals currently earn the minimum wage, with 7,000 employed in the public sector, expressing confidence that there would be no layoffs for government employees.

On the potential impact of wage increases on employment in the private sector, he addressed claims surrounding the departure of certain companies, such as Drekslmajer, emphasizing that wage growth in Serbia makes it challenging for some businesses but is part of the country’s economic evolution.

He remarked that the discourse around minimum wage increases often pits employers against the rights of workers, indicating that his administration remains focused on balancing these interests.

Statistics indicate a current unemployment rate of 8.2% in Serbia, lower than many EU countries.

Vučić pointed to labor shortages in burgeoning sectors, such as the automotive industry, where the Stellantis factory seeks approximately 1,000 workers, indicating a need to import labor due to domestic shortages.

The government intends to ensure that minimum wages keep pace with living costs over time.

Vučić highlighted that the current consumer basket index, which serves as a measure of living standards, was approximately 8 to 9% lower than the minimum wage as of January.

He expressed a commitment to align these figures moving forward.

Concurrent with preparations for EXPO 2027, which has attracted over 350 officials and delegations from 140 countries, international representatives, including General Director Mourad Belhasen from Tunisia, praised Serbia's organizational capabilities during the International Planning Meeting held in Belgrade.

Belhasen emphasized the Expo's potential to enhance Serbia's image and attract tourists and investments while expressing admiration for the chosen theme: "Playing for Humanity."

Representatives from various countries, including Bangladesh, Ecuador, Italy, and Switzerland, have confirmed participation, asserting that the event presents opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange.

Delegates noted Serbia’s progress and potential as it gears up for the international showcase slated to begin in 2027.