The leading European and international heritage organisations, EUROPA NOSTRA, International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), DOCOMOMO International, and The Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE) express their deep concern and firm opposition to the proposed “Lex Specialis” Law related to the Generalštab Modernist Complex in Belgrade. This proposal was tabled on 2 November by a group of MPs and is due for discussion by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia already today, 4 November 2025. This draft Law seeks to enable the demolition of the Generalštab Modernist Complex in Belgrade, a masterpiece of the renowned architect Nikola Dobrović which is protected by law as cultural monument of national importance. Such a law would subsequetly pave the way for the construction on this site of a massive hotel and real estate development project, known as the “Trump Tower Belgrade”.

The proposed “Lex Specialis” aims to suspend Serbia’s existing laws on cultural heritage and environment regarding the implementation of any future development project related to the Generalštab ensemble. Its possible adoption would constitute a grave breach of the Constitution and the rule of law in Serbia, particularly as the Office of the Prosecutor for Organised Crime is currently investigating the removal of the site’s protected status by Government Decision of 14 November 2024, which is considered by many as illegal.

This draft Law falsely presents the Generalštab as a “ruin dangerous to citizens”, disregarding decades of expert recognition of its exceptional architectural and historical value. The complex – which was damaged during the NATO bombing campaign in 1999 – has been repeatedly assessed by national and international experts who are all convinced that this Modernist ensemble can and should be revitalised in accordance with the highest standards of the conservation practice.

The possible demolition of the Generalštab Complex would not only erase a European masterpiece of modernist architecture and a symbol of Yugoslavia’s and Serbia’s post-war creativity and identity, but also inflict further irreparable damage on the country’s international reputation, especially in the framework of its relationship with the European Union, the Council of Europe and UNESCO.

International organisations have already repeatedly expressed the values and importance of this masterpiece: ICOMOS through the ICOMOS Heritage Alert procedure, DOCOMOMO, through its Alert and Petition procedure, and EUROPA NOSTRA, through its inclusion on the 7 Most Endangered List for 2025.

Due reference to the serious threats to the Generalštab Modernist Ensemble was also included in Europa Nostra’s most recent Statement of Solidarity with Serbia’s Civil Society and Heritage Activists Defending European Values, adopted as a follow-up to the discussions held at the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2025 held in Brussels.

Last but not least, we recall that this case has already been included as a matter of concern for the European Union in the European Parliament Resolution on Serbia adopted in May 2025.

In line with the above, our organisations fully endorse and support the following demands, already formulated and published on 3 November 2025 by the very large coalition of heritage and architecture professionals and experts from Serbia:

1. Immediate withdrawal of the draft “Lex Specialis” from parliamentary procedure;
2. Annulment of the Government’s decision that illegally removed the Generalštab’s protected status;
3. Publication of all agreements and contracts concerning this site, and annulment of any document that contravene Serbia’s Constitution and laws;
4. Initiation of a transparent and inclusive public and expert debate on the revitalisation of the Generalštab Modernist Complex, in line with the public interest and the principle of democratic governance, the respect of the rule of law – including the series of relevant European and international conventions signed and ratified by Serbia, with the view of ensuring proper safeguard and enhancement of cultural heritage of national and European importance, with due participation of experts, civil society and local community.