According to information obtained by Forbes Serbia, under the agreement related to the revitalization of the former General Staff complex, Serbia has committed to demolishing all above-ground structures, installations, and facilities on the site.
The agreement also requires the removal of all underground structures located beneath the demolished surface buildings — including foundations, basements, tunnels, bunkers, and even objects of historical significance.
A third obligation stipulates the removal of all underground infrastructure and utilities, such as sewage systems, water pipes, electrical networks, and cables. Additionally, Serbia is responsible for removing any unexploded ordnance found on the site.
The country must also eliminate any hazardous materials present on the land parcels.
These tasks could represent a significant financial burden for Serbian taxpayers, considering both the scale of the above-ground structures and the extensive underground infrastructure. The document specifies that the Serbian government bears full responsibility for the complete demolition and removal of all structures above and below ground.
“The methods used by the Republic of Serbia to achieve full and complete demolition must meet the satisfaction of the strategic partner,” the document states.
Furthermore, Serbia must carry out environmental assessments and remediation work in a manner deemed satisfactory by the strategic partner and consistent with the overall development plan defined by that partner.
Finally, the agreement requires that the land be handed over entirely cleared and free of any structures or remnants, both above and below ground, before the next phase of the project begins.
