If the future Government of Serbia were nevertheless to give up the right to organise EXPO 2027, the immediate consequence would be the loss of host country status. Such a withdrawal would also have significant financial and legal consequences, including those relating to already undertaken commitments and costs incurred by participating countries.
This is how the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) responded to Forbes Serbia regarding the consequences our country would face should the new government decide to call off the organisation of EXPO 2027, planned to take place from 15 May to 15 August next year, bearing in mind the upcoming parliamentary elections on 25 October, where a change of government is possible.
It was precisely the BIE that awarded the organisation to our country. As stated in the response we received, EXPO 2027 Belgrade represents an international obligation that Serbia has assumed as the host country.
EXPO gained support across the political spectrum
“A project of this magnitude was conceived as a long-term national undertaking, the time horizon of which extends beyond the duration of any single electoral cycle. This principle was embedded from the very beginning. Before EXPO 2027 Belgrade received recognition, the BIE Enquiry Mission specifically sought and obtained confirmation of support from across Serbia’s political spectrum,” the response states.
However, it was not specified how other political actors, aside from the ruling authorities, provided this support, other than through direct communication between BIE leaders and representatives of opposition parties and other political actors.
How Serbia would have to compensate for damages
In the explanation provided, it is stated that general regulations concerning the organisation of the EXPO “explicitly govern” the following consequences:
“The organiser would be required to compensate participating countries for justified expenses incurred directly as a result of their participation. Financial consequences could therefore include the reimbursement of expenses to official participants,” the explanation reads.
Additionally, reimbursement of expenses to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is also mandatory.
There are also obligations arising from various contracts concluded by the organiser and other obligations under Serbian legislation, the response adds.
“There would also be significant practical consequences, given that preparations encompass construction, procurement, staff engagement, transport, infrastructure and other contractual obligations. In terms of reputation, cancellation could have consequences for trust in Serbia’s future international obligations,” the BIE points out.
Proceedings against Serbia to determine damages
We also asked the BIE whether they, as the umbrella organisation, would have to initiate any proceedings against Serbia, or if each participating country would have to individually submit a claim for the reimbursement of expenses incurred in preparing their participation.
The Bureau International des Expositions states that they have an established framework for acting in such a situation, including a procedure for determining compensation for damages.
“The regulations provide for a collective mechanism within the BIE concerning compensation due to official participants. Requests from participating countries would be considered through that mechanism. The Executive Committee would examine the requests and supporting evidence and issue a proposal, while the General Assembly would determine the compensations,” explain the organisation.
The procedure regarding any potential additional claims would depend on the circumstances and contractual obligations assumed by the interested parties, the response adds.
Changes of government have even occurred mid-EXPO
We were also interested in whether a change of government in the host country is an issue that would be discussed at the BIE General Assembly, especially if it resulted in a change of power.
“Obligations relating to the EXPO represent host country obligations, regardless of changes of government. The BIE would, of course, closely monitor any developments that could affect the organisation of the Expo and react to any such developments through the BIE’s governance and monitoring mechanisms,” the response states.
They also remind that changes of government during preparations for major international events are not unusual, and “have occurred both during preparatory phases and, in some cases, during the Expo itself, without affecting its realization.”
It is still unknown when the Secretary General will visit again
When asked when the next visit of the BIE Secretary General to Serbia is planned, the organisation could not specify or disclose details, stating only that it will be announced “subsequently.”
“The BIE Secretary General remains in regular contact with the Expo organiser and the Serbian authorities as preparations for EXPO 2027 Belgrade continue,” reads the response to Forbes Serbia.
(Forbes Serbia, 22.09.2026)
https://forbes.n1info.rs/biznis/propisi/bie-za-forbes-srbija-ako-otkaze-expo-posle-izbora-srbija-ce-imati-ozbiljne-posledice/
