The construction site for Serbia’s National Stadium in Surčin is active with workers, trucks, and cranes, but the project lacks a full construction permit. So far, only preparatory, earthworks, and foundation permits have been approved, while key permits for subsequent construction phases and infrastructure remain unissued. The Ministry of Finance has rejected several permit requests related to preparatory works for roads and parking zones as incomplete.
President Aleksandar Vučić acknowledged a four-month delay but insisted the stadium will be completed, though he admitted uncertainty about permit issues and hinted at possible irregularities.
The total cost of the project, including infrastructure like a railway connection, is nearing one billion euros—far exceeding initial estimates. The stadium’s price has soared from an estimated €150 million in 2015 to over €600 million in the 2024 budget, with accompanying infrastructure pushing the total to almost €1 billion. The fiscal strategy projects large expenditures through 2026 and 2027, reflecting more than double the original cost estimates.
