The SEE Mobility International Fair, scheduled for April 24-25 in Belgrade, has been canceled after exhibitors from EU countries deemed it a security risk to send their representatives to Serbia. The decision follows Serbia’s hostile rhetoric toward foreigners, with top officials labeling individuals from abroad as enemies.
The Southeast Europe Railway Cluster, the event’s organizer, confirmed that companies from five EU nations and leading European railway associations withdrew their participation, forcing the event’s cancellation. Exhibitors cited the deportation of EU nationals attending international conferences in Serbia and the public labeling of European company directors as primary concerns.
According to reports, EU foreign ministries and embassies warned participants about Serbia’s high-level officials accusing Western nations and the EU of orchestrating a “color revolution.” These allegations, coupled with Serbia’s tightening stance against international representatives, raised fears for the safety of businesspeople attending the event.
This year’s SEE Mobility fair had been in preparation for over a year and was set to feature key industry leaders, including directors from the International Union of Railways (UIC), the European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE), and the European Railway Clusters Initiative (ERCI).
The cancellation marks a severe blow to Serbia’s business image, with experts warning that it may take years to regain international trust after such a high-profile event was scrapped.
