Serbia: The dangers of the severe water shortage that looms over the Western Balkans' rivers

Hydrological droughts threatening rivers of the Western Balkans

In an era of increasingly pronounced climate change, hydrological droughts are becoming more frequent and prolonged – and an increasingly serious threat to the water resources of the Western Balkans. Unlike meteorological drought, which refers to a lack of precipitation, hydrological drought indicates a long-term reduction in river flow and reserves in lakes and groundwater, with serious consequences for water supply, ecosystems, and hydropower.

Recent research conducted by scientists from Serbia and the region shows that many rivers in the Balkans are experiencing a steady decline in minimum flow rates, especially during the summer months, when water demand is at its peak. Analysis of data from hydrological stations for the period 1961 to 2020 revealed that average minimum water flow values have significantly decreased compared to the reference period (1961–1990), in both seasonal periods – hydrological summer and winter.

Portal Klima 101.rs writes that on the Drina River, crucial for the hydropower system of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, a decline of 6.9 m³/s per decade has been recorded. The Bosna River shows a reduction of 1.75 m³/s, and the Moraca River 1.88 m³/s. Minimum flows are of essential importance for water supply, especially during dry seasons when needs are most pressing – for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use. Reduced flow also means lower capacity of rivers to dilute pollutants, further endangering water quality and public health.

Moreover, increasingly longer and more frequent drought periods are worsening water stress across the region. These trends are not merely the result of unfavorable seasons – they reflect systemic changes in the hydrological regime. Experts warn that if the current rate of decline continues, entire regions may face structural water shortages, especially during the summer months. The causes of these changes lie in a combination of climatic factors: decreased precipitation, increased evaporation, reduced snow cover, and higher temperatures. Adaptive water resource management, based on data, minimum flow analysis, and regional cooperation, is becoming essential. It is urgent to develop flexible strategies that involve all sectors – from agriculture and energy to nature conservation.

Experts emphasize that hydrological drought is no longer a rare calamity – but the new normal in a world where the water cycle is undergoing irreversible change. Understanding its patterns through minimum flows is key to predicting and mitigating its effects.

Hungary is also facing water shortages. In recent weeks we reported on Hungary facing another dry summer and on the critical conditions caused by water shortages.

Civic initiative bridges the gap between farmers and consumers

The "Save the Fruit Growers" campaign, launched through the website www.spasimovocare.com , aims to connect small fruit producers in Serbia directly with buyers—offering mutual benefits amid rising fruit prices and increasingly challenging weather conditions, TV N1 reports. Through this initiative, consumers can buy locally grown fruit at prices lower than those at green markets or supermarkets, while producers are able to sell their goods at rates that at least cover their basic production costs. This year, severe weather (particularly late frosts) has drastically reduced yields, driving up fruit prices nationwide. Early-season cherries shocked buyers at around €10 per kilogram, with strawberries following similar pricing trends. Julijana Vincan, a representative of the environmental association EcoGuard, says the campaign is designed to help local producers avoid both waste and financial hardship. The process begins with a call to action on the campaign’s Instagram page, inviting growers with surplus fruit that might otherwise spoil. Interested buyers sign up via the website by filling out a simple Google form, which is required for participation. Organizers then match buyers with producers, usually coordinating deliveries twice a week. Updates and logistics are communicated through a Viber group with more than 10,000 members. The most commonly offered fruits are those that spoil quickly—such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. "These fruits are difficult to store in large quantities, so the initiative helps ensure they reach consumers instead of being discarded or sold at unprofitable prices," says Vincan. The fruit comes from various regions across Serbia, with Arilje among the most active contributors. Now in its third season, the initiative continues to promote fair pricing for both farmers and consumers, while also helping to reduce food waste in Serbia, Vincan concludes.

New labeling rule for palm oil in dairy products takes effect August 1

The Serbian Ministry of Agriculture has adopted a new regulation requiring clear labeling on dairy products that contain palm oil, palm fat or other vegetable oils. According to Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamocic, the move represents a major step in protecting consumer rights and supporting domestic dairy producers. The regulation was officially published on the Serbian government’s website. For the first time, products that resemble cheese, cream, or dairy spreads—but actually contain vegetable fats instead of natural milk fat—must carry a clear, visible warning label. As Minister Glamocic noted, many consumers are currently unaware that such products often substitute palm oil or other vegetable oils for milk fat. Under the new rules, any product using palm oil or similar substitutes will be required to display a special label prominently on the front of its packaging. The label consists of two parts: on the left, a yellow triangle with a red border and a red exclamation mark in the center. On the right, a bold Cyrillic inscription reading: not a 100% dairy product – contains palm oil or other vegetable oils. The label must be clearly visible, with a minimum height of 10 millimeters, ensuring consumers cannot miss it. The regulation came into force during the first week of June 2025, with full enforcement beginning on August 1, 2025. Non-compliance may result in fines ranging from €2,130 to €25,600.

National Potato Association Established

Although potatoes are often perceived in Serbia as a “humble” crop, this plant holds global importance and ranks among the five most widely cultivated crops in the world. While Europe leads in processing and innovation, domestic potato production and local varieties in Serbia show untapped potential. In Serbia, potatoes are grown on about 20.000 hectares, with average yields ranging between 15 and 17 tons per hectare. However, top producers can reach yields of up to 60 tons per hectare—highlighting both the potential and the need for greater support and investment in this sector.

Serbia’s peak production was recorded in 1974, with a remarkable 1,148,680 tons harvested. A significant milestone in the modernization of Serbian potato production was the establishment of the Potato Institute in Guca in 1954. Thanks to decades of breeding efforts, several domestic varieties were developed there, including Dragacevka and Jelica in 1975, Univerzal in 1994, and Hybrid 8614 in 1997. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the heritage variety Dragacevski Mesecar, which, after a “revitalization” process, has once again been added to Serbia’s official variety list. According to agricultural analysts, Serbia was once known as a “potato country,” but today it heavily depends on imports. Each year, the country imports between 12,000 and 15,000 tons of French fries alone reports Biznis.rs portal. It’s important to note that developing a new potato variety takes 12 to 13 years, underscoring the significant time and effort required to create disease-resistant types suited to local growing conditions. A major development in revitalizing the sector is the recent founding of the Potato Association of Serbia.  On May 30^th , the World Potato Day, the association was officially established in Guca. It aims to become a hub for all stakeholders in the potato world, including farmers, researchers, educators, processors, retailers, chefs, and consumers. The association’s primary goal is to foster collaboration and collective action to improve potato production, processing, and promotion across Serbia. As stated in its official release, the association opens new opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, joint projects, and the elevation of potatoes as a strategic agricultural crop in Serbia.

One hectare of arable land in Vojvodina sold for over half a million euros

Agricultural land prices in Serbia are experiencing an unprecedented surge, with the market witnessing a record-breaking sale that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago, reports Euronews Serbia. According to data from the Republic Geodetic Authority, a hectare of land in the village of Rumenka was sold for more than €500,000, marking the highest recorded price for farmland in the country. The transaction, shared on the Instagram page of Sremska Televizija, has sparked significant reactions, particularly among farmers and investors. Beyond this extraordinary case, the average price for fertile land in Vojvodina has reached €15,900 per hectare, reflecting a growing demand for high-quality arable plots and a continuing upward trend in land values across the sector, Euronews Serbia reports.

Three Serbian villages compete for “World’s Most Beautiful Village” title

Serbia has nominated three picturesque villages—Trsic, Rudno, and Bistrica—for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 competition, organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Ministry of Tourism announced.

Nestled in western Serbia near Loznica, Trsic is a cultural and historical gem. Surrounded by forests and rolling mountains, it is best known as the birthplace of Vuk Stefanovic Karadzic, the famed reformer of the Serbian language. In July 2019, the area encompassing Karadzic’s Memorial House, the nearby Tronosa Monastery, and its surrounding landscapes was officially designated a protected area of exceptional importance by the Government of Serbia.

Perched at an altitude of around 1,100 meters on the slopes of Mount Golija, the village of Rudno is one of Serbia’s premier ecotourism destinations. Located roughly 30 kilometers from the city of Kraljevo, it is part of the Golija Special Nature Reserve. Rudno is surrounded by dense forests, open meadows, and pristine mountain springs—offering a peaceful escape from city life. It's a year-round haven for nature lovers, ideal for hiking and camping in summer, and cross-country skiing and sledding in winter.

The village of Bistrica, located in the municipality of Petrovac na Mlavi, is a cultural treasure of the Branicevo District. Its standout feature is a collection of historic watermills, part of which has been declared an immovable cultural heritage site of great importance. Bistrica is also the birthplace of Dragutin Tomasevic, Serbia’s first Olympic athlete and marathon runner, who competed at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm.

All three villages reflect the unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and rural charm that defines Serbia’s countryside—making them compelling contenders in this prestigious global competition.