The upcoming Expo 2027 in Belgrade is not just a large event but a significant opportunity for Serbia to attract investors, tourists, scientists, artists, and companies, the organizing company “Expo 2027” announced.
The project is estimated at 1.29 billion euros, covering not only the exhibition space but also infrastructure such as the Aquatic Center, the new Zemun-Airport-EXPO railway, the Sava wharf, roads, utility networks, and public facilities. This is an investment in urban development rather than merely an expense.
Expo 2027 will be the largest international event ever held in Serbia, supervised by the International Bureau of Exhibitions (BIE), which includes 184 countries and sets global standards for such events.
Belgrade is the first city in this part of Europe to host a specialized Expo, winning over final contenders Spain, the USA, Thailand, and Argentina. The event will last 93 days—from May 15 to August 15, 2027—much longer than typical global sports or music competitions.
During this time, Belgrade expects over four million visitors, many international, boosting tourism, hospitality, trade, culture, creative industries, and the economy. Currently, 118 participants are confirmed to take part, each having a national day to showcase their country’s culture, innovations, and gastronomy.
The Expo’s theme, “Game(s) for humanity: sport and music for all,” highlights how play, sport, and music connect people globally and contribute to mental and physical health and societal development—topics deeply relevant to all and reflective of Serbia’s strengths in sports, music, and innovation.
The event will be held on 25 hectares in a new city zone between New Belgrade and the Sava River, creating an entire Expo district with a theme zone, participant pavilions, and a best practices zone. Post-event, the site will be repurposed into a lasting legacy, including a new fairground, museum district, auditorium, innovation center, schools, kindergartens, sports halls, and 1,500 apartments.
Modular pavilions will be dismantled and reused to build schools and sports facilities across Serbia, while intangible benefits include enhanced knowledge, cooperation, and new opportunities.
Serbia’s connection to the Expo movement spans over 140 years, starting with its first participation as the Kingdom of Serbia in 1885 in Antwerp. Throughout the 20th century, Yugoslavia regularly participated and made a lasting impression. Since 2006, Serbia has independently participated in major world expos, including Shanghai 2010, Milan 2015, Astana 2017, Dubai 2020, and Osaka 2025.
Expo 2027 Belgrade marks a historic moment—the first time Serbia hosts such an event—symbolizing the pinnacle of its long-standing international presence.
