Serbia is preparing to introduce its first comprehensive law governing artificial intelligence, marking a significant step in aligning the country’s digital economy with emerging European regulatory standards. The legislation is expected to be adopted by the end of 2026, creating a formal legal framework for the development, deployment and supervision of AI systems across both the public and private sectors.
The proposed law represents a major shift for Serbia’s technology sector. Until now, the country has relied primarily on strategic policy documents and sector-specific regulations, despite becoming one of the first countries in Southeast Europe to adopt a national AI strategy. The new legislation will establish legally binding rules covering AI developers, operators and users, while also extending certain obligations to citizens and organizations that deploy AI technologies.
A key objective of the legislation is to provide legal certainty for businesses investing in artificial intelligence. Policymakers argue that clearer rules are needed as AI applications rapidly expand across banking, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and public administration. The law is expected to introduce principles related to transparency, accountability, data protection, safety and non-discrimination, closely mirroring the approach taken by the European Union’s AI Act.
The alignment with European regulation is strategically important for Serbia’s growing technology sector. Serbian software companies, AI startups and outsourcing providers increasingly serve EU clients and participate in European digital supply chains. Harmonization with EU standards could reduce regulatory uncertainty for exporters and improve the attractiveness of Serbia as a destination for technology investment.
One of the most significant institutional changes proposed under the framework is the creation of a dedicated AI Agency and a national Register of AI Systems, expected to be established after the law enters into force. These institutions would act as the primary supervisory bodies responsible for oversight, compliance monitoring and implementation guidance. Existing AI providers would be granted transition periods to adapt their systems and operational processes to the new regulatory environment.
For Serbian businesses, the implications extend well beyond the technology sector. Banks increasingly use AI-driven risk assessment models, manufacturers are adopting predictive maintenance systems, logistics companies employ optimization algorithms, while energy companies are deploying AI for forecasting and grid management. A formal legal framework will likely influence procurement requirements, governance structures, cybersecurity obligations and documentation standards across multiple industries.
The legislation also arrives as global investment in AI infrastructure accelerates. Across Europe, governments are attempting to balance innovation with concerns regarding privacy, intellectual property, algorithmic bias and automated decision-making. Serbia’s proposed framework reflects a broader international trend toward regulating AI as critical economic infrastructure rather than treating it solely as a technological innovation.
For investors, the significance lies in predictability. Regulatory clarity tends to support capital deployment, particularly in sectors where compliance risks remain uncertain. As Serbia seeks to strengthen its position as a regional technology hub, the introduction of a dedicated AI law could become an important component of its digital economy strategy, creating a more structured environment for AI development while bringing the country closer to the regulatory architecture emerging across the European Union.
