Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Serbia Approves Law for Kushner Project Amid Protests
Serbia's parliament has passed a new law to speed up the construction of a big luxury project in Belgrade.
This project will be built on the site of the old Yugoslav army headquarters, which was damaged during a NATO bombing in 1999.
A company connected to Jared Kushner, who is related to former US President Trump, will develop the site.
The plan includes building hotels, apartments, and shops.
However, many people in Serbia are unhappy because they see the old buildings as important historical sites and symbols of resistance against NATO.
They have protested the plan, and some politicians argue the new law is unfair and breaks legal rules.
The government says the project will help the economy and improve relations with the United States.
Despite the protests and concerns, the parliament approved the law, allowing the project to move forward.
Serbian lawmakers passed a special law to fast-track a real estate project linked to Jared Kushner's company.
The project will be built on the site of the former Yugoslav military complex in Belgrade, partially destroyed in 1999.
The law was approved with a 130-40 vote despite heated debates, street protests, and concerns over legal and heritage issues.
Critics view the site as architecturally significant and a symbol of resistance, while proponents claim economic benefits and improved US ties.
The proposed USD 500 million development includes a hotel, apartments, offices, shops, and a memorial complex.
- Who
- Serbian lawmakers, President Aleksandar Vucic, Jared Kushner-linked Affinity Global Development, opposition politicians, protesters, experts
- What
- Passed a special law (Lex Specialis) to accelerate a real estate project on a former Yugoslav military complex site.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Why
- To facilitate the development of a USD 500 million luxury compound by bypassing legal and heritage protections, boosting the economy and ties with the US.
Critics
Proponents
Cultural Heritage vs. Economic Development
Critics
The site holds architectural significance as a prime example of mid-20th century architecture and is seen as a symbol of resistance against the NATO bombing, thus should be preserved as a memorial.
Proponents
The project will boost the economy, create jobs, and improve relations with the US. Demolishing ruins is necessary to build the new complex.
Legal and Corruption Concerns
Critics
The special law undermines the legal system and may represent the legalization of law violations to serve hidden interests. Concerns exist that documents used to strip protected status were forged.
Proponents
The judicial investigation into the site was politically motivated, initiated from abroad to hinder Serbia's relations with the Trump administration.
Project Details and Impact
Critics
The law is a 'crime' that will replace a heritage site with 'casinos and Jacuzzis'.
Proponents
The project includes a hotel, apartments, offices, shops, and a memorial complex dedicated to victims of the NATO bombing campaign.
- Location
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Project Developer
- Affinity Global Development (linked to Jared Kushner)
- Lease Agreement
- 99-year lease
- Site History
- Former Yugoslav military complex, partially destroyed in 1999 NATO bombing
- Proposed Development
- USD 500 million luxury compound including hotel, apartments, offices, and shops
- Special Law
- Lex Specialis, passed by Serbian parliament
- Vote Count
- 130-40 in favor
