Serbian Government Accused of Illegally Expanding EXPO Project
Regulatory Institute for Renewable Energy and Environment raises concerns over public participation in planning process.
The Regulatory Institute for Renewable Energy and Environment (RERI) has called on citizens, organizations, experts, and local officials to support a request for an immediate halt to what it describes as an illegal procedure related to a public session of the Planning Commission concerning the National Stadium project.
According to RERI, the Draft Spatial Plan for the Special Purpose Area of the National Football Stadium—Phase Four, which pertains to the expansion of the exhibition space for EXPO 2027 by over 250 hectares designated for an amusement park, is being presented for public review through processes deemed unlawful and expedited with restricted public involvement.
An announcement on the website of Serbia's Agency for Spatial Planning and Urbanism noted that on March 19, a public notice was issued regarding the submission of comments on the Draft Plan, indicating that the Planning Commission meeting would take place on March 21 at 08:30 in the MTS Dvorana (Trade Union Hall).
RERI claims the Draft Plan was displayed for public review through illegal procedures and expedited processes, which limited public participation.
It further stated that numerous irregularities and legal violations were identified by the expert community, highlighting that a session originally scheduled for March 7 was postponed indefinitely.
The announcement of the session to the public was reportedly made with less than 48 hours' notice prior to its scheduled time.
The notice indicated that to facilitate discussion on over 700 submitted comments, interested parties wishing to participate in the public session needed to confirm their attendance in advance, citing limited capacity in the meeting room.
RERI emphasized that the current regulations governing spatial and urban planning document preparation guarantee every commenter the right to orally present their objections before the commission.
Consequently, the agency is mandated to provide adequate space that meets the needs for discussion, considering the total number of submitted comments reflecting significant public interest.
Despite this regulatory framework, RERI asserted that the agency has responded to issues related to the high volume of submitted comments by misusing procedures to inhibit broad participation in the discussion, particularly for those who may not have noted the announcement swiftly enough to submit their registration.
The agency specified that those who apply for discussion by 14:00 on March 20 will have the opportunity to orally present their comments in accordance with legal procedures, while other commenters will receive information about the response from technical experts via regular or electronic mail.
RERI has reiterated that all commenters are legally entitled to present their objections during the public session before the Planning Commission, a right that should not be denied.
The Aarhus Convention, an international agreement ratified by the Serbian Assembly, mandates timely public information regarding plans and projects that may impact the environment and allows sufficient time for public comment.
In this particular instance, RERI argues that the public was effectively prevented from being promptly informed about the time and place of the Commission meeting.
The organization highlights concerns that the Serbian government, operating in a technical mandate, is taking advantage of this opportunity to unlawfully expand the EXPO project by an additional 250 hectares while public attention is diverted to other pressing societal issues.
According to RERI, the Draft Spatial Plan for the Special Purpose Area of the National Football Stadium—Phase Four, which pertains to the expansion of the exhibition space for EXPO 2027 by over 250 hectares designated for an amusement park, is being presented for public review through processes deemed unlawful and expedited with restricted public involvement.
An announcement on the website of Serbia's Agency for Spatial Planning and Urbanism noted that on March 19, a public notice was issued regarding the submission of comments on the Draft Plan, indicating that the Planning Commission meeting would take place on March 21 at 08:30 in the MTS Dvorana (Trade Union Hall).
RERI claims the Draft Plan was displayed for public review through illegal procedures and expedited processes, which limited public participation.
It further stated that numerous irregularities and legal violations were identified by the expert community, highlighting that a session originally scheduled for March 7 was postponed indefinitely.
The announcement of the session to the public was reportedly made with less than 48 hours' notice prior to its scheduled time.
The notice indicated that to facilitate discussion on over 700 submitted comments, interested parties wishing to participate in the public session needed to confirm their attendance in advance, citing limited capacity in the meeting room.
RERI emphasized that the current regulations governing spatial and urban planning document preparation guarantee every commenter the right to orally present their objections before the commission.
Consequently, the agency is mandated to provide adequate space that meets the needs for discussion, considering the total number of submitted comments reflecting significant public interest.
Despite this regulatory framework, RERI asserted that the agency has responded to issues related to the high volume of submitted comments by misusing procedures to inhibit broad participation in the discussion, particularly for those who may not have noted the announcement swiftly enough to submit their registration.
The agency specified that those who apply for discussion by 14:00 on March 20 will have the opportunity to orally present their comments in accordance with legal procedures, while other commenters will receive information about the response from technical experts via regular or electronic mail.
RERI has reiterated that all commenters are legally entitled to present their objections during the public session before the Planning Commission, a right that should not be denied.
The Aarhus Convention, an international agreement ratified by the Serbian Assembly, mandates timely public information regarding plans and projects that may impact the environment and allows sufficient time for public comment.
In this particular instance, RERI argues that the public was effectively prevented from being promptly informed about the time and place of the Commission meeting.
The organization highlights concerns that the Serbian government, operating in a technical mandate, is taking advantage of this opportunity to unlawfully expand the EXPO project by an additional 250 hectares while public attention is diverted to other pressing societal issues.
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