Key Highlights
- A £380 million project to build a Trump-branded hotel in Belgrade is set to proceed despite opposition and legal hurdles.
- The site was previously the Yugoslav army headquarters destroyed by NATO bombing in 1999, sparking controversy over its redevelopment.
- Serbian lawmakers approved a special law allowing work on the site without mentioning specific projects or companies involved.
- Opposition comes from experts who view the development as insensitive to architectural significance and symbolic resistance to NATO aggression.
A $605.4 million Development in Central Belgrade: A Controversial Project
The Serbian capital, Belgrade, is set for a significant transformation with the upcoming construction of a luxury real estate development spearheaded by Jared Kushner’s US-based Affinity Global Development firm.
Project Details and Financial Aspects
This £380 million ($605.4 million) project includes a Trump-branded hotel, luxury apartments, office spaces, and retail shops, all to be built on the site of a former Yugoslav army headquarters that was partially destroyed during NATO bombing in 1999.
Legal and Political Context
The redevelopment has faced considerable opposition from experts who argue against its architectural significance and symbolic importance as a resistance symbol against the US-led NATO aggression. However, Serbian lawmakers have passed a special law that enables work on the site without directly mentioning Mr. Kushner’s company or any future development projects.
Public Opposition and Legal Challenges
The project faced legal challenges after Serbia’s organized crime prosecutors launched an investigation into whether documents used to remove protected status from the former military complex were forged. The Serbian pro-Trump populist government, however, maintains that the development will bolster the economy and strengthen ties with the White House.
Investment and Future Developments
The special bill approved in Serbia’s parliament on Friday allows authorities to proceed with demolition work on what remains of the two sprawling buildings. The bill does not specify any future projects but mentions a potential memorial complex dedicated to victims of the NATO bombing campaign.
Industry insiders and real estate experts have mixed feelings about the project, with some seeing it as an opportunity for economic growth while others raise concerns over its potential impact on historical and cultural heritage. As the development moves forward, observers will be watching closely for how it unfolds in the heart of Belgrade’s central district.
