The Regulatory Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment (RERI) has filed a criminal complaint against Finance Minister Sinisa Mali, holding him responsible as the investor for the construction of the National Stadium in Surčin, which they claim is being built without the necessary building permit.
According to RERI, while the Serbian government delays procedures related to impact assessments and usage permits for facilities within the ‘EXPO 2027’ project, the National Stadium is being constructed on adjacent plots without proper permits or work notifications.
The Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure granted a construction permit for “Phase I” of the stadium project, which covers preparatory works, earthworks, and foundation works such as piles, foundation slab, and underground installations. However, “Phase II” — including the exterior construction, parking lot, roads, and above-ground building structure — reportedly lacks an issued building permit, and there is no evidence that the project documentation has passed technical control.
Minister Aleksandra Sofronijević explained on May 16 that the complexity of the project and its documentation require thorough expert review by the State Audit Commission. She emphasized that quality, not speed, was the priority in approving the technical documentation.
Despite this, RERI states that significant construction of the above-ground part has been underway without a permit, as evidenced by aerial footage from January showing reinforced concrete columns and walls, and more recent footage revealing staircases and elevator shafts.
Furthermore, RERI highlights that the environmental impact assessment approval process for the project remains incomplete.
They warn that neglecting proper controls and institutional responsibility can have tragic consequences, citing the Novi Sad railway station collapse, which resulted in 16 deaths. RERI stresses that roles and responsibilities related to accelerating procedures under political pressure are still under judicial review, serving as a cautionary example for current projects.
