In a significant development for the upcoming EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, 1,500 apartments have been completed, marking a crucial milestone in the preparations for the international exhibition. Miroslav Čučković, the manager of the City of Belgrade, announced that these apartments are ready to accommodate representatives from participating countries and their families. The exhibition, which will be held in Surčin, is part of Serbia’s efforts to enhance its international profile and attract global investment.
Čučković detailed that the apartments, now fully furnished, are set to welcome their first residents within weeks. These include representatives from various countries and their companies who will be involved in setting up their respective stands and pavilions for the exhibition. Some of these representatives have already enrolled their children in schools in Belgrade, indicating a longer-term stay during the event.
In addition to the residential units, final works are underway on eight large exhibition halls, which are expected to be completed significantly ahead of schedule. Originally slated for completion by December 1, these halls are now anticipated to be ready a month and a half earlier. This accelerated timeline will allow participants to commence their interior setups and create their exhibition spaces well in advance of the event’s opening.
The Serbian government owns the apartments and is yet to decide on the conditions for their sale post-exhibition. President Aleksandar Vučić has proposed that these apartments remain residential for at least ten years, preventing their resale or use for business purposes. This initiative aims to provide permanent housing solutions for 1,500 families in Belgrade, fostering community stability and continuity.
The EXPO 2027 project is not just about the exhibition itself but also about creating a lasting infrastructure legacy. Čučković emphasized the future use of the exhibition space, which will be integrated with the city’s railway system and serve as a venue for various fairs and events, such as construction, automotive, and energy exhibitions. The location will also feature improved parking facilities, alleviating congestion issues that have plagued previous events at the current Belgrade Fairgrounds.
Moreover, the infrastructure for heating and cooling at the EXPO site is ready, with the system set to operate for the first time this winter. This development is part of a broader plan to ensure the site’s functionality beyond the exhibition period. Additionally, 29 modular structures designed for play and public use will be dismantled post-exhibition and repurposed across Serbia as kindergartens, gyms, or other public facilities, further extending the project’s benefits.
While the completion of the apartments and exhibition halls is a significant achievement, questions remain about the long-term impact on the local housing market and infrastructure. The government’s decision on the sale and allocation of these apartments will be crucial in determining their effect on the community. As the EXPO 2027 approaches, the focus will likely shift to how these developments contribute to Belgrade’s urban landscape and Serbia’s international standing.
