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Refinery Halts Amid Record Danube Low; Red Alert for Extreme Heat

Serbia faces an escalated energy and environmental crisis as the Pančevo Refinery has ceased operations due to the Danube River reaching a new historic low. This development comes as the country endures a severe heatwave, prompting a red meteorological alert with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius.

Amid these challenges, President Aleksandar Vučić has reassured citizens that there is no immediate threat of electricity shortages, although experts warn of potential future imports at higher costs. Meanwhile, political discourse is marked by reports of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party's substantial campaign spending on billboards and suggestions of internal party dissent involving Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić.

Other domestic news includes protests against a new Serbian Orthodox Church construction by residents, a proposal from Minister of Education Dejan Vuk Stanković to return a gymnasium to the Church, and a report indicating a significant decrease in registered migrants compared to last year.

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Refinery Halts as Danube Reaches Historic Low

The Pančevo Refinery has halted operations due to the Danube River reaching a new historic low of -164 centimeters, an event that has only occurred twice before. This cessation impacts production and highlights the severe drought conditions affecting the region, with further drops in water levels anticipated.

Red Alert Issued as Heatwave Intensifies

Serbia is under a red meteorological alert as the extreme heatwave continues, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Tropical nights have preceded this, and the peak of the heatwave is yet to come, posing significant health and environmental challenges.

President Vučić Addresses Electricity Shortage Concerns

President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that there is currently no danger of electricity shortages in Serbia, aiming to reassure the public amidst ongoing energy concerns. However, experts anticipate that Serbia will need to import electricity at significantly higher prices, potentially leading to future restrictions.

Internal Dissent and Campaign Spending within SNS

Reports suggest potential internal dissent within the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) regarding Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić, indicating that such issues are likely known to the party leadership. Concurrently, investigations reveal the SNS is spending over €20,000 monthly on just three billboards for its 'Serbia Wins' campaign, raising questions about transparency and funding.

Church Construction Protest and Gymnasium Proposal

Residents near a Serbian Orthodox Church construction site have submitted a petition, protesting that the building will 'wall them in' and that the Patriarch did not inform them. Separately, Minister of Education Dejan Vuk Stanković has proposed returning the 'Jovan Jovanović Zmaj' gymnasium in Novi Sad to the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Deforestation and Mine Expansion Plans Near Bor and Zaječar

Reports detail ongoing deforestation, inspection activities, and plans for the expansion of existing mines near Bor, as well as the development of a new mine near Zaječar. The reports include perspectives from both local citizens and the Ziđin company involved in the mining operations.

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