Belgrade’s Expo 2027: €1.33 billion spent so far; new government raises uncertainty
Political change in Serbia brings uncertainty over further funding and management of the Expo, while €183 million more is planned this year.
About €1.33 billion has already been spent on the construction of the exhibition complex for Expo 2027 in Belgrade, and an additional €183 million is planned to be committed by the end of this year, officials say.
The project, launched in 2023, centres on new exhibition halls and associated facilities in Surcin on the outskirts of Belgrade. According to official figures, by the end of September some 157 billion Serbian dinars — that is, €1.33 billion — had been disbursed for those buildings, with a further €183 million foreseen through the close of 2026.
Costs connected to Expo 2027 go beyond the construction of the complex: infrastructure work, event organisation, promotion and public procurements are being funded through multiple state bodies. The national budget for 2027 has not yet been adopted, so the total additional financing still needed to complete the project remains unknown.
Political change raises questions over next steps
The political transition in Serbia following elections, with the new government to be formed by the Student List, introduces uncertainty around further funding and the organisation of the international exhibition. Representatives of the Student List have said Serbia will respect its international commitments, while also promising a review of signed contracts and of Expo-related spending; they have not yet published a detailed management plan for the project.
The company Expo 2027, established by the Serbian government to organise the event, says preparations are continuing on schedule and notes that more than 40 state institutions and organisations are involved in the effort. Dimitris Kerkentzes, General Secretary of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE), said work is proceeding as planned and that the Bureau has not been notified of any schedule changes. The next formal deadline is 1 December, when exhibition pavilions are to be handed over to participating countries.
The specialised international exhibition is scheduled to run from 15 May to 15 August 2027 in Belgrade. Serbia was chosen as host in June 2023, and the Expo has been presented by authorities as a major engine of economic and infrastructure development. With the change of government, decisions on remaining investments, budget allocations and operational leadership will pass to Serbia’s incoming leadership.
Photo: press material from the event
