At least 12 people were killed Friday after part of an outdoor roof collapsed at a train station in the Serbian city of Novi Sad, the interior minister said.&nbsp;

"The current number of bodies recovered is 12," Ivica Dacic told public broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia, revising upwards an earlier toll of eight dead and warning of other likely fatalities.

"This number will not be final," the minister added.

The head of the city's Vojvodina Clinic, Vesna Turkulov, earlier told reporters that three people who had been pulled from the rubble were in a serious condition, two of whom were undergoing&nbsp;operations.

"The injuries are very severe," she said.&nbsp;

Earlier, the interior minister said rescuers were working to free multiple people trapped beneath the wreckage of the roof.&nbsp;

Cranes and excavators worked alongside emergency responders digging through the rubble to search for the survivors, according to an AFP photographer at the scene.

"The operation is still ongoing and extremely challenging. Over 80 rescuers are involved, with the assistance of heavy machinery," Dacic said Friday afternoon.

The Serbian government said an official day of mourning would be held on Saturday, according to a statement published by the country's state broadcaster.

The Blood Transfusion Institute in Novi Sad also called on residents to donate blood following the accident.

Serving Serbia's second-largest city, the station reopened in July after three years of renovation work. Construction was still ongoing in parts of the station.&nbsp;

Serbia's Prime Minister Milos Vucevic vowed that authorities would investigate the cause of the accident.&nbsp;

"We will insist on finding those responsible, those who should have ensured the structure's safety. My condolences to the families of the deceased," said the premier. &nbsp;

"This is a black Friday for us, for all of Serbia, for Novi Sad," he added.

Serbia Railways said in a statement that the collapsed roof had not been part of the renovations completed at the station.&nbsp;

"Serbia Railways regrets the accident that occurred, and the causes and any new details from the investigation will be promptly announced," the company wrote in a social media post.&nbsp;

A high-speed rail connection between Novi Sad and the capital Belgrade opened in March 2022. &nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

At least 12 people were killed Friday after part of an outdoor roof collapsed at a train station in the Serbian city of Novi Sad, the interior minister said. "The current number of bodies recovered is 12," Ivica Dacic told public broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia, revising upwards an earlier toll of eight dead and warning of other likely fatalities.

At least 12 people were killed Friday after part of an outdoor roof collapsed at a train station in the Serbian city of Novi Sad, the interior minister said. "The current number of bodies recovered is 12," Ivica Dacic told public broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia, revising upwards an earlier toll of eight dead and warning of other likely fatalities. "This number will not be final," the minister added. The head of the city's Vojvodina Clinic, Vesna Turkulov, earlier told reporters that three people who had been pulled from the rubble were in a serious condition, two of whom were undergoing operations. "The injuries are very severe," she said. Earlier, the interior minister said rescuers were working to free multiple people trapped beneath the wreckage of the roof. Cranes and excavators worked alongside emergency responders digging through the rubble to search for the survivors, according to an AFP photographer at the scene. "The operation is still ongoing and extremely challenging. Over 80 rescuers are involved, with the assistance of heavy machinery," Dacic said Friday afternoon. The Serbian government said an official day of mourning would be held on Saturday, according to a statement published by the country's state broadcaster. The Blood Transfusion Institute in Novi Sad also called on residents to donate blood following the accident. Serving Serbia's second-largest city, the station reopened in July after three years of renovation work. Construction was still ongoing in parts of the station. Serbia's Prime Minister Milos Vucevic vowed that authorities would investigate the cause of the accident. "We will insist on finding those responsible, those who should have ensured the structure's safety. My condolences to the families of the deceased," said the premier. "This is a black Friday for us, for all of Serbia, for Novi Sad," he added. Serbia Railways said in a statement that the collapsed roof had not been part of the renovations completed at the station. "Serbia Railways regrets the accident that occurred, and the causes and any new details from the investigation will be promptly announced," the company wrote in a social media post. A high-speed rail connection between Novi Sad and the capital Belgrade opened in March 2022. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

12 dead in Serbia after roof of train station collapses

Severe heat wave and pollution have impacted Serbia Sava River as algae turns the river water green. Watch in for more details!

Algae engulfs Serbia's Sava river

Team Serbia received a hero's welcome at Belgrade's city hall on Monday (August 12) as they returned from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Serbia took five medals home from Paris with Novak Djokovic winning gold in the men's singles tennis tournament to complete a Golden Slam and become only the fifth player to win all four singles Grand Slams and the Olympic title during their careers.

Paris Olympics 2024: Serbia's Olympic heroes return to Belgrade

The Balkans, along with much of Europe, continued to swelter in a prolonged heatwave on Wednesday, triggering forest fires and drying up a Serbian lake for the first time, as a meteorologist warned such heatwaves could become more regular.

Balkans swelter in prolonged heatwave

A searing heatwave is gripping large parts of the United States with record daily high temperatures in Oregon suspected to have caused four deaths in the Portland area. Watch in for more details!

Extreme heatwave across Albania, Serbia, Kosovo & Las Vegas

A crossbow attacker has been killed after shooting a police officer in the neck while he guarded the Israeli embassy in Serbia. Watch in for more details!

Crossbow assailant killed after attack at Israel embassy in Belgrade

A police officer in Serbia on Saturday (June 29) killed a man who shot him in the neck with a crossbow in front of the Israeli embassy in Belgrade. According to Serbia's Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, the attack occurred at around 11 am local time.

A police officer in Serbia on Saturday (June 29) killed a man who shot him in the neck with a crossbow in front of the Israeli embassy in Belgrade. According to Serbia's Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, the attack occurred at around 11 am local time. The attacker, whose identity was being ascertained, shot the officer, who was a member of the gendarmerie guarding the embassy, Interior Minister Dacic said in a statement, the news agency AFP reported. Dacic said that the officer used a weapon in self-defence and defeated the attacker, who died as a result of his injuries. The officer was undergoing surgery in hospital and was reported to be in a life-threatening condition, the interior minister added. Who was behind the attack? Citing authorities, AFP reported that some arrests had been made and a number of people known to the security services were suspected of being linked to the attack. Addressing a press conference, Dacic said that there were early indications connecting the attack with people suspected of being linked to the Wahhabi movement -- an ultra-conservative branch of Islam that dominates in Saudi Arabia. "Some suspicions are already present that we are talking about persons already known to the security services, and we are talking about the Wahhabi movement", Dacic added. The interior minister said that several people had been arrested for "prevention reasons" and that overall security had been stepped up in Belgrade. 'A heinous terrorist act' Prime Minister Vucevic strongly condemned the attack and called it a "heinous terrorist act." "This was an act of insanity, which cannot be attributed to any religion and any nation. It is a crime of an individual," Vucevic said, according to quotes from the Beta news agency. He vowed that Serbia would be able to firmly respond to the threat of terrorism and stressed citizens could "feel safe." Israel, meanwhile, called it an "attempted terrorist attack in the vicinity" of its embassy in Serbia. "The embassy is closed and no employee of the embassy was injured," the Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Cop wounded by crossbow in front of Israeli embassy in Serbia, kills attacker

Serbia have threatened to pull out of Euro 2024, hours before their match against Slovenia, accusing Croatian and Albanian fans of chanting about the killing of Serbians. The incident took place during the Group B match in Hamburg on Wednesday (Jun 19) when both sets of fans chanted "Kill, kill, kill the Serb".&nbsp;

Jovan Surbatovic, the general secretary of the Football&nbsp; Association of Serbia, issued the threat and called upon UEFA to take strong action.&nbsp;

"What happened is scandalous and we will ask [European governing body] Uefa for sanctions, even if it means not continuing the competition," Surbatovic was quoted as saying by&nbsp;Serbian state-owned broadcaster RTS.&nbsp;

“We will demand from UEFA to punish the federations of both selections. We do not want to participate in that, but if Uefa does not punish them, we will think how will we proceed," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/euro-2024-denmarks-eriksen-who-suffered-cardiac-arrest-in-2021-scores-goal-after-1100-days-in-tournament-732325">Also read |&nbsp;Euro 2024: Denmark's Eriksen who suffered cardiac arrest in 2021, scores goal after 1,100 days in tournament</a>

<h2>Serbian FA fined</h2>

Surbatovic also referred to the $15,000 fine imposed on the Serbian FA after&nbsp;objects were thrown and a provocative message was displayed during Serbia's Euro 2024 defeat by England on 16 June. Notably, the Serbian fans had displayed an&nbsp;ultra-nationalist banner proclaiming Serbian dominion over Kosovo.&nbsp;

“We were punished for isolated cases and our fans behaved much better than the others. We Serbs are gentlemen and we have an open heart, so I appeal to the fans to remain gentlemen," said&nbsp;Surbatovic.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-russian-ally-serbia-invade-kosovo-nato-boosts-forces-amid-escalating-tensions-641878">Watch | Gravitas: Will Russian Ally Serbia Invade Kosovo? NATO Boosts Forces Amid Escalating Tensions</a>

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UEFA are yet to acknowledge the complaint made by the Serbian FA but if the Balkan country pulls out of the tournament, both Slovenia and Denmark,&nbsp;who they are scheduled to face, would be awarded a 3-0 win.&nbsp;

UEFA on Wednesday cancelled the credentials of a Kosovar journalist named Arlind Sadiku after he made a nationalist double-eagle gesture towards Serbian fans during the match against England.&nbsp;

The gesture is provocative as it mimics the eagle on Albania's national flag. There have been several instances where making the said gesture has led to fights between Serbian nationalists and ethnic Albanians, who make up the vast majority of Kosovo's population.

(With inputs from agencies)

Serbia have threatened to pull out of Euro 2024, hours before their match against Slovenia, accusing Croatian and Albanian fans of chanting about the killing of Serbians.

Serbia have threatened to pull out of Euro 2024, hours before their match against Slovenia, accusing Croatian and Albanian fans of chanting about the killing of Serbians. The incident took place during the Group B match in Hamburg on Wednesday (Jun 19) when both sets of fans chanted "Kill, kill, kill the Serb". Jovan Surbatovic, the general secretary of the Football Association of Serbia, issued the threat and called upon UEFA to take strong action. "What happened is scandalous and we will ask [European governing body] Uefa for sanctions, even if it means not continuing the competition," Surbatovic was quoted as saying by Serbian state-owned broadcaster RTS. “We will demand from UEFA to punish the federations of both selections. We do not want to participate in that, but if Uefa does not punish them, we will think how will we proceed," he added. Also read | Euro 2024: Denmark's Eriksen who suffered cardiac arrest in 2021, scores goal after 1,100 days in tournament Serbian FA fined Surbatovic also referred to the $15,000 fine imposed on the Serbian FA after objects were thrown and a provocative message was displayed during Serbia's Euro 2024 defeat by England on 16 June. Notably, the Serbian fans had displayed an ultra-nationalist banner proclaiming Serbian dominion over Kosovo. “We were punished for isolated cases and our fans behaved much better than the others. We Serbs are gentlemen and we have an open heart, so I appeal to the fans to remain gentlemen," said Surbatovic. Watch | Gravitas: Will Russian Ally Serbia Invade Kosovo? NATO Boosts Forces Amid Escalating Tensions × UEFA are yet to acknowledge the complaint made by the Serbian FA but if the Balkan country pulls out of the tournament, both Slovenia and Denmark, who they are scheduled to face, would be awarded a 3-0 win. UEFA on Wednesday cancelled the credentials of a Kosovar journalist named Arlind Sadiku after he made a nationalist double-eagle gesture towards Serbian fans during the match against England. The gesture is provocative as it mimics the eagle on Albania's national flag. There have been several instances where making the said gesture has led to fights between Serbian nationalists and ethnic Albanians, who make up the vast majority of Kosovo's population. (With inputs from agencies)

Euro 2024: Serbia threaten to quit tournament over chants by rival countries

An England fan and a police officer were left with head injuries on Sunday (Jun 16) after hooligans attacked a bar where Serbia supporters were drinking before their team's Euro 2024 opening match against the Three Lions, scheduled for later in the evening.&nbsp;

Pictures of the English fan with a bloodied head in the German city of Gelsenkirchen went viral on social media while video clips showed the two factions fighting each other by hurling tables, chairs and other objects.&nbsp;

According to a report in the Guardian,&nbsp;the incident took place shortly after 3:30 pm local time where Serbian fans, outside the bar were targeted with projectiles. Other media reports claimed that&nbsp;Serbia's arch-rivals Albania and its hooded supporters launched the attack, claiming to be English fans.&nbsp;

The perpetrators of the violence fled the scene as soon as&nbsp;about 200 German riot police arrived.

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England and Serbia fans clashing in the streets of Gelsenkirchen. 
 
😨 <a href="https://t.co/SljpQLySRU">pic.twitter.com/SljpQLySRU</a>
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBAwayDays/status/1802347596666568900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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English fans attacked Serbian fans at a cafe in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, before Serbia takes on England today in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2024</a>. 
 
The result? 
 
The English fans quickly learned the meaning of “FAFO” as they had to scatter down the street like rats. <a href="https://t.co/RLqS9UYg1z">pic.twitter.com/RLqS9UYg1z</a>
— Aleks Djuricic (@AleksDjuricic) <a href="https://twitter.com/AleksDjuricic/status/1802356699904307322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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(TRIGGER WARNING: The below-mentioned media might be triggering for some. Please proceed at your own caution)

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Fights have broken out between groups of England and Serbia fans. 
 
Please stay safe out there if you are in the Gelsenkirchen area. 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇷🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/dTK1hckftP">pic.twitter.com/dTK1hckftP</a>
— Euro 24 Hub (@Euro24Hub) <a href="https://twitter.com/Euro24Hub/status/1802346868132782168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The unfortunate incident took place despite security being heightened after intel reports indicated that a squad of 500 Serbian hooligans might attempt to engage in a violent confrontation with the English supporters.

As many as 40,000 English fans are expected to have arrived in the city for the match while between 5,000 to 8,000 Serbian supporters have also made the journey for the match which will be played at the Veltins Arena -&nbsp;home to Bundesliga 2 club Schalke.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/euro-2024-500-serbians-to-engage-in-violence-at-englands-first-match-in-germany-report-730573">Also read |&nbsp;Euro 2024: 500 Serbians to engage in violence at England's first match in Germany - Report</a>

<h2>Axe-wielding attacker shot</h2>

Earlier in the day, an axe-wielding man was shot by the German police in the&nbsp;Reeperbahn district of Hamburg before the Netherlands vs Poland match.&nbsp;

The area where almost 40,000 Dutch fans had gathered was subsequently cleared around 12:30 p.m. CET (6:30 am ET) before the security agencies shot the attacker.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/euro-2024-axe-wielding-man-shot-by-german-police-ahead-of-poland-vs-netherlands-match-732261">Also read |&nbsp;Euro 2024: Axe-wielding man shot by German police ahead of Poland vs Netherlands match</a>

Police said the man was also carrying an incendiary device, probably some kind of Molotov cocktail. The media reports said police used pepper spray against the attacker before deploying a firearm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An England fan and a police officer were left with head injuries on Sunday (Jun 16) after hooligans attacked a bar where Serbia supporters were drinking before their team's Euro 2024 opening match against the Three Lions, scheduled for later in the evening.

An England fan and a police officer were left with head injuries on Sunday (Jun 16) after hooligans attacked a bar where Serbia supporters were drinking before their team's Euro 2024 opening match against the Three Lions, scheduled for later in the evening. Pictures of the English fan with a bloodied head in the German city of Gelsenkirchen went viral on social media while video clips showed the two factions fighting each other by hurling tables, chairs and other objects. According to a report in the Guardian, the incident took place shortly after 3:30 pm local time where Serbian fans, outside the bar were targeted with projectiles. Other media reports claimed that Serbia's arch-rivals Albania and its hooded supporters launched the attack, claiming to be English fans. The perpetrators of the violence fled the scene as soon as about 200 German riot police arrived. England and Serbia fans clashing in the streets of Gelsenkirchen. 😨 pic.twitter.com/SljpQLySRU — Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) June 16, 2024 × English fans attacked Serbian fans at a cafe in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, before Serbia takes on England today in #EURO2024. The result? The English fans quickly learned the meaning of “FAFO” as they had to scatter down the street like rats. pic.twitter.com/RLqS9UYg1z — Aleks Djuricic (@AleksDjuricic) June 16, 2024 × (TRIGGER WARNING: The below-mentioned media might be triggering for some. Please proceed at your own caution) Fights have broken out between groups of England and Serbia fans. Please stay safe out there if you are in the Gelsenkirchen area. 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇷🇸#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/dTK1hckftP — Euro 24 Hub (@Euro24Hub) June 16, 2024 × The unfortunate incident took place despite security being heightened after intel reports indicated that a squad of 500 Serbian hooligans might attempt to engage in a violent confrontation with the English supporters. As many as 40,000 English fans are expected to have arrived in the city for the match while between 5,000 to 8,000 Serbian supporters have also made the journey for the match which will be played at the Veltins Arena - home to Bundesliga 2 club Schalke. Also read | Euro 2024: 500 Serbians to engage in violence at England's first match in Germany - Report Axe-wielding attacker shot Earlier in the day, an axe-wielding man was shot by the German police in the Reeperbahn district of Hamburg before the Netherlands vs Poland match. The area where almost 40,000 Dutch fans had gathered was subsequently cleared around 12:30 p.m. CET (6:30 am ET) before the security agencies shot the attacker. Also read | Euro 2024: Axe-wielding man shot by German police ahead of Poland vs Netherlands match Police said the man was also carrying an incendiary device, probably some kind of Molotov cocktail. The media reports said police used pepper spray against the attacker before deploying a firearm. (With inputs from agencies)

Euro 2024: Violent clashes erupt in German city hours before England vs Serbia match

A squad of 500 Serbian hooligans is expected to engage in violent conduct at England's first match at Euro 2024 on Sunday (Jun 15), according to a report in the Guardian.

A squad of 500 Serbian hooligans is expected to engage in violent conduct at England's first match at Euro 2024 on Sunday (Jun 15), according to a report in the Guardian. England play Serbia at the Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen - home to Bundesliga 2 club Schalke to kickstart their tournament. As many as 40,000 English fans are expected to travel to the match while between 5,000 to 8,000 Serbian supporters will also be present in the west German city. Peter Both, the chief of police in Gelsenkirchen said although German police did not have concrete intelligence, it believed that 'up to 400 or 500 violence-seeking Serbians' will travel to Germany. “I guess the biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fans, that will be our biggest challenge," Both was quoted as saying. Both said German police had brilliant cooperation with the UK authorities and that some known hooligans from England would be blocked from travelling to ensure there is no escalation, at least from the English side. The report added that more than 1,600 England fans with football banning orders had been forced to surrender their passports to the police from June 4 till the final on July 14. Apart from the violence by fans or ultra groups, the organisers are also worried of the risk of a terrorist attack or an attempt by Russia to stir violence. Also read | 'Kind of everyone’s fault': Luke Shaw slams Manchester United medical team for recurring injury ahead of Euros England face reality check Gareth Southgate's men are among the favourites to win the tournament in Germany but they had a shaky farewell when Iceland defeated them 1-0 at Wembley last Friday (Jun 7). The visitor took a surprising early lead through Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson and had numerous chances to extend their advantage as the hosts toiled at both ends of the pitch. After the defeat, England captain Kane said lessons have to be learned ahead of their Group C opener against Serbia. "Sometimes you need this wake-up call. There are areas we need to improve, especially with our pressure," said Kane. "The group games are going to be very similar to this. We are going to have to defend well, especially the longer balls, and with the ball we need to be a bit more patient." England are yet to settle on a final playing XI that will take the field on the weekend, as Gareth Southgate sweats over the fitness of only left-back in the squad, Luke Shaw. (With inputs from agencies)

Euro 2024: 500 Serbians to engage in violence at England's first match in Germany - Report

At least one person was killed in Serbia when a tree toppled onto her car this comes to strong winds hail and flash floods are causing havoc across the country.

Serbia hit with torrential rain, hail and flash floods

In a bid to overhaul two buildings of the former Yugoslav People's Army headquarter in Belgrade, Serbia has struck a deal with the former US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner's investment firm.

Serbia leases ex-army headquarter in Belgrade to Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner

Former US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signed a 99-year lease deal with the Serbian authorities, allowing his company to recondition two buildings at the site of the former Yugoslav army headquarters in Belgrade that was bombed in US-led NATO strikes in 1999.

Former US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signed a 99-year lease deal with the Serbian authorities, allowing his company to recondition two buildings at the site of the former Yugoslav army headquarters in Belgrade that was bombed in US-led NATO strikes in 1999. In a statement, the Serbian Construction Ministry said on Wednesday (May 15) that Kushner’s US-based investment firm Affinity Global Development “will invest in the revitalisation” of the former military complex. The building project, however, has caused widespread criticism in Serbia as the site is a painful symbol of the NATO bombing campaign. Also read: ‘Total moron’: Trump lambasts Biden, blames US president for his legal woes at rally in New Jersey "Everything ... will be in line with the Serbian laws, in cooperation with the government and relevant institutions ... that are responsible for urban planning and the protection of cultural heritage," the Serbian Construction Ministry’s statement said. In March, Kushner announced that a wider investment by his Affinity Partners in the Balkans would include projects in Albania and in Belgrade. Kushner's plan is to establish a luxury hotel, 1,500 residential units and a memorial centre dedicated to the victims of the bombing at the site of the headquarters buildings. Also read: US elections: Joe Biden, Donald Trump register wins in May 14 presidential primaries Kushner, married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka and a former top aide to Trump when he was president, set up the investment firm after stepping down from the job in 2021. The 1999 NATO bombing was launched to force the then strongman Slobodan Milosevic to end his brutal crackdown against Albanians, and put an end to the war in Kosovo. On his Instagram account, Kushner posted "early design images" of the project in March showing two luxurious glass towers where bombed-out buildings now stand. The ravaged site in central Belgrade was declared a protected "cultural asset" by the Serbian government in 2005. Over 22,000 people in Serbia have so far signed a petition calling for the buildings to be preserved. The buildings designed by Serbian architect Nikola Dobrovic were built between 1957 and 1965. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signs lease deal with Serbia to overhaul army HQ bombed by NATO

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Hungary late Wednesday, the penultimate destination on his five-day European visit, where he is expected to seal several agreements with Prime Minister Viktor Orban that will strengthen China's economic ties in the region. Watch to know more.

Xi's Europe visit: Way to charm or divide? | Is Chinese President creating wedge between West & US?

Serbia is set to become the first European country in years to enter into a free trade agreement with china. During president Xi Jinping's visit to the Balkan nation, 29 agreements were signed, signalling a new era of economic collaboration between the two nations.

China & Serbia ink 29 agreements, boosting economic cooperation

Prior to his arrival in Budapest Chinese President Xi Jinping also visited France and Serbia on the second leg of his three Nation Europe tour. During his brief stay in Belgrade, Xi and his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vučić signed 29 agreements promoting cooperation in multiple theaters. Watch in for more details!

China & Serbia sign agreement to 'build shared future' | Xi to complete Euro tour with Hungary visit

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia - AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines - Brazil floods leave 150,000 homeless - Students protests spread to Europe

Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia | AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade and as Beijing seeks to deepen its polical and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

China President Xi Jinping visits Serbia for talks to boost economic ties

Serbia welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping with a military guard of honour on Wednesday. Xi's visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of NATO's accidental bombing of China's embassy in Belgrade. Watch in for more details!

China's Xi Jinping visits Serbia on anniversary of 1999 NATO bombing

China President Xi Jinping visits Serbia: Xi hails ironclad friendship between China & Serbia

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US pauses bomb shipment to Israel - Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia - AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines - European Banks to record losses - Tornadoes sweep through US midwest

European Banks to record losses | Tornadoes sweep through US midwest

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US pauses bomb shipment to Israel - Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia - AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines - Stormy Daniels testifies against Trump - Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo

Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo | Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

China has poured billions into Serbia and neighbouring Balkan countries, particularly into mining and manufacturing, and last year Beijing and Belgrade signed a free trade agreement.&nbsp;

Xi arrived in the Serbian capital Tuesday night after a state visit to France that saw sometimes robust exchanges with President Emmanuel Macron on topics including trade and China's continued close ties to Russia despite the Ukraine war.

But the other two countries chosen by Xi for his first trip to Europe since 2019 -- with Hungary as the final stop after Serbia -- are seen as among the most sympathetic to Moscow in Europe.&nbsp;

In Belgrade, the Chinese leader will meet President Aleksandar Vucic for talks on Wednesday, before heading to Budapest.

Serbian finance minister Sinisa Mali told state broadcaster RTS that discussions Wednesday would centre on "a great project".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-in-france-calls-for-free-tibet-take-over-paris-during-chinese-leaders-state-visit-718403">Xi Jinping in France: Chants of 'Free Tibet' echo in Paris streets amid Chinese leader's state visit</a>

"We are aiming to attract a major investment from China in a very promising area," he said Tuesday, adding "I won't reveal our cards at this moment."

Streets in the Serbian capital were decked out with Chinese flags for the visit, along with posters and billboards that proclaimed a "warm welcome" to "Chinese friends".&nbsp;

<h2>NATO bombing</h2>

Xi's visit to Belgrade will also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 1999 US bombing of the Chinese embassy there, which killed three people.&nbsp;

The embassy was hit during a months-long, US-led NATO campaign targeting Serbian security forces who were waging a brutal war against ethnic-Albanian insurgents in Kosovo.

The US later apologised, saying that outdated maps had led the pilot to strike the wrong target.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Xi wrote in Serbian daily Politika that NATO had "flagrantly bombed the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia", warning that China would "never allow such tragic history to repeat itself".&nbsp;

He also hailed the "ironclad friendship" between China and Serbia, which he said was "forged with the blood of our compatriots".

Also watch |&nbsp;Xi Jinping's first trip to Europe in five years; after France, Xi to visit Serbia &amp; Hungary

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Stefan Vladisavljev, programme director at the Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society, said that the date of the visit meant it will have "significant symbolic importance".

"The focus is also expected to be on promoting existing cooperation between the two countries, and announcing projects that they can implement together in the future," he added.

<h2>Ukraine fears</h2>

Serbs questioned in central Belgrade said they welcomed Xi's visit.

"I think it's an excellent thing, this visit from the president of one of the most powerful countries in the world," 67-year-old Stojan Vidovic, a retiree, told AFP.

"It's fantastic for us," agreed 69-year-old Dijana Radic, a former translator. She said she hoped there would be "results from this visit, something good for both parties".

The first leg of Xi's visit in France saw meetings with Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging Xi not to allow the export of any technology that could be used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and to do all it could to end the war.&nbsp;

Xi for his part warned the West not to "smear" China over the conflict and also hit back at accusations that Chinese overcapacity was causing global trade imbalances.&nbsp;

Europe is concerned that while officially neutral over the Ukraine conflict, China is essentially backing Russia, which is using Chinese machine tools in arms production.&nbsp;

After meeting with Vucic, Xi will go to Hungary, where China has invested heavily in vast battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade on Wednesday, as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe. China has poured billions into Serbia and neighbouring Balkan countries, particularly into mining and manufacturing, and last year Beijing and Belgrade signed a free trade agreement. Xi arrived in the Serbian capital Tuesday night after a state visit to France that saw sometimes robust exchanges with President Emmanuel Macron on topics including trade and China's continued close ties to Russia despite the Ukraine war. But the other two countries chosen by Xi for his first trip to Europe since 2019 -- with Hungary as the final stop after Serbia -- are seen as among the most sympathetic to Moscow in Europe. In Belgrade, the Chinese leader will meet President Aleksandar Vucic for talks on Wednesday, before heading to Budapest. Serbian finance minister Sinisa Mali told state broadcaster RTS that discussions Wednesday would centre on "a great project". Also read | Xi Jinping in France: Chants of 'Free Tibet' echo in Paris streets amid Chinese leader's state visit "We are aiming to attract a major investment from China in a very promising area," he said Tuesday, adding "I won't reveal our cards at this moment." Streets in the Serbian capital were decked out with Chinese flags for the visit, along with posters and billboards that proclaimed a "warm welcome" to "Chinese friends". NATO bombing Xi's visit to Belgrade will also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 1999 US bombing of the Chinese embassy there, which killed three people. The embassy was hit during a months-long, US-led NATO campaign targeting Serbian security forces who were waging a brutal war against ethnic-Albanian insurgents in Kosovo. The US later apologised, saying that outdated maps had led the pilot to strike the wrong target. On Tuesday, Xi wrote in Serbian daily Politika that NATO had "flagrantly bombed the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia", warning that China would "never allow such tragic history to repeat itself". He also hailed the "ironclad friendship" between China and Serbia, which he said was "forged with the blood of our compatriots". Also watch | Xi Jinping's first trip to Europe in five years; after France, Xi to visit Serbia & Hungary × Stefan Vladisavljev, programme director at the Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society, said that the date of the visit meant it will have "significant symbolic importance". "The focus is also expected to be on promoting existing cooperation between the two countries, and announcing projects that they can implement together in the future," he added. Ukraine fears Serbs questioned in central Belgrade said they welcomed Xi's visit. "I think it's an excellent thing, this visit from the president of one of the most powerful countries in the world," 67-year-old Stojan Vidovic, a retiree, told AFP. "It's fantastic for us," agreed 69-year-old Dijana Radic, a former translator. She said she hoped there would be "results from this visit, something good for both parties". The first leg of Xi's visit in France saw meetings with Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging Xi not to allow the export of any technology that could be used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine and to do all it could to end the war. Xi for his part warned the West not to "smear" China over the conflict and also hit back at accusations that Chinese overcapacity was causing global trade imbalances. Europe is concerned that while officially neutral over the Ukraine conflict, China is essentially backing Russia, which is using Chinese machine tools in arms production. After meeting with Vucic, Xi will go to Hungary, where China has invested heavily in vast battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants.

China's Xi in Serbia 25 years after Belgrade embassy attack

On his first visit to the EU in five years, Chinese President Xi Jinping met his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, and the European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen. Xi Jinping lauded China's ties with France as a model for the international community at opening of Paris talks. Watch in for more details!

Xi Jinping's first trip to Europe in five years; after France, Xi to visit Serbia & Hungary

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