In Belgrade, the contract between Serbia and the International Bureau of Exhibitions (BIE) was officially signed for participation privileges and benefits at the Specialized Expo 2027 in Belgrade. The contract was signed by Serbia’s Finance Minister Siniša Mali and BIE Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes, establishing the legal framework for organizing the international exhibition.
Minister Mali announced that the contract will be ratified by the Serbian Parliament in the coming weeks. He stated that by December 1, 2026, all pavilions will be handed over to the Expo participants. Currently, 119 countries have confirmed their participation, surpassing the previous record of 117 participants at the 2017 Astana Expo, making Expo 2027 the largest specialized Expo ever by number of participants.
Mali highlighted that the event is a major opportunity for Serbia to showcase itself globally and accelerate infrastructure development, including highways, high-speed railways, hospitals, and schools. He emphasized that the Expo will improve the quality of life for Serbian citizens through economic growth, higher pensions, wages, and minimum salary increases.
The contract includes provisions for an Expo visa issued free of charge to participants, allowing them to live and work in Serbia during the Expo period. It also establishes a one-stop shop office to coordinate services from the Tax Administration, Ministry of Interior, and Customs for participants. Each participating country will have a commissioner who will set up a dedicated office with legal status in Serbia.
Secretary General Kerkentzes praised the step as a commitment from the Serbian government and a vital part of enabling countries to participate.
Expo 2027 will be held from May 15 to August 15 in Belgrade. The infrastructure built for the event and the associated “Serbia 2027” development program—covering new highways, railways, schools, and hospitals—will have lasting impacts, leaving functional facilities and boosting Serbia’s economy.
Mali stressed that most buildings constructed for the Expo will have long-term uses. The new Belgrade Fair complex will be the most modern in the region and serve as a venue for future events, exhibitions, and trade shows.
The national pavilion will become a museum for future generations. Temporary pavilions showcasing companies from around the world will be built using materials that will later be repurposed to construct schools, kindergartens, and gymnasiums throughout Serbia.
Additionally, approximately 1,500 apartments built for the Expo will remain and be offered to citizens.
Mali emphasized that every investment in Expo 2027 is made responsibly to ensure lasting benefits. He noted that infrastructure investments, including a new railway connecting the city center, airport, and Expo site, along with utilities and transport improvements, will foster sustained economic development in Serbia and Belgrade for decades.
