Vladan Kuzmanović, professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and a member of the commission investigating the collapse of the canopy at the Railway Station in Novi Sad, has issued a warning regarding the reintroduction of a disputed bill concerning EXPO 2027. He called on both experts and the general public to oppose its adoption.
At a press conference, Kuzmanović explained that while there is already a special law for EXPO 2027, this new proposal introduces amendments and additions that effectively create another special law on top of the existing one. These changes are intended to further accelerate construction procedures related to the EXPO exhibition.
Kuzmanović urged engineers and the public to resist the bill. He referred to approximately 5,000 engineers who have previously opposed similar measures, asking them to unite once again. He emphasized that the problematic provisions previously withdrawn have now been reintroduced.
He outlined several concerning elements in the proposed changes, including the allowance for partial construction permits, temporary use permits, and the lack of a requirement for environmental impact assessments. Some structures are planned to be assembled and dismantled, which, according to the proposal, would exempt them from needing use permits.
Kuzmanović argued that the government is pushing for these legal changes because it would not be able to meet the tight construction deadlines for EXPO 2027 if it adhered to standard safety and professional protocols. He expressed concern that bypassing these safeguards could lead to dangerous outcomes and urged professionals and the public to prevent the law’s adoption.
The original draft of the amended law first entered the parliamentary procedure at the end of January. It included provisions allowing buildings to be used without permits and allowed permits to be issued without completed environmental studies. These requirements could be fulfilled retroactively.
The bill was withdrawn in early March, without official explanation, likely due to public pressure and concerns from the expert community. Critics have warned that loosening construction regulations could result in serious safety risks, similar to the tragic collapse in Novi Sad.
