This article analyzes the constitutional and legal framework of autonomy in the Republic of Serbia, with a particular focus on the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Using a qualitative legal-comparative methodology, the study examines constitutional provisions, statutory developments, and jurisprudential decisions from 2006 to 2014. The analysis centers on the evolution and limitations of provincial autonomy, the distinction between originaland delegated competences, and the role of the Serbian Constitutional Court in interpreting the scope of self-governance. Special attention is paid to the 2009 and 2014 Statutes of Vojvodina and the constitutional challenges they faced. The findings show that while the SerbianConstitution formally enables autonomy, the legal and institutional framework imposes significant constraints, particularly through centralized oversight and judicial review. The study concludes that the case of Vojvodina reflects broader tensions between decentralizationand national unity in unitary states, offering insight for comparative constitutional debates on regional governance and minority protection.

This study examines the productive horizon of Miocene deposits in an oil and gas field in the Pannonian Basin (Republic of Serbia). To clarify the features of the geological structure and improve the efficiency of upcoming development of new productive areas while increasing oil recovery from existing parts of the field, the authors of this paper conducted a detailed analysis and synthesis of core data, seismic work materials, testing and the dynamics of production wells. Through conducted studies, the authors detailed the geological features of the field, updated the conceptual model, and proposed additional methods for developing the identified oil and gas reservoirs. Researches also rebuilt the geological model, adjusted the placement of the project well stock and developed a set of geological and technical measures to enhance oil recovery. Furthermore, they forecasted of development indicators. The study identified features of the field’s geological structure that suggest a “mosaic” distribution of filtration and capacitive properties within the established hydrocarbon reservoirs. The localized character of the distribution of productivity and variability of field parameters that influence the success of discovery, efficiency of involvement and development of such hydrocarbon deposits confirms the fractal properties of the geological environment. In conclusion, the authors highlighted the necessity of studying and applying the fractal properties of geological objects during oil and gas exploration.

This paper begins with the complex role of education, evident in its dual impact: on the individual level—supporting the overall development of those involved in the educational process (intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and moral); and on the societal level—transmitting shared values that serve as general guidelines for life within that society and for strengthening cohesion among members. This paper explores the role of arts education in primary schools in the Republic of Serbia, in the context of shaping the students’ cultural identity, with a particular focus on the subjects of Music and Fine Arts. The aim of this research is to determine whether the learning objectives of these subjects are oriented towards fostering the cultural awareness and identity of younger generations. The paper sets out the following objectives: (1) to provide an overview of the international and national documents that represent the framework for the action of formal education in terms of the development of cultural identity; and (2) to examine educational standards and learning objectives for the Music and Fine Arts subjects, with a focus on how they contribute to the foundation of cultural identity.The descriptive-analytical method and the secondary analysis of the documents (legal and other documents) related to arts education and cultural identity were applied in this research. This research shows that education, viewed through the lens of subjects like Music and Fine Arts, plays an important role in shaping cultural identity and fostering cultural awareness among primary school students.

Little is known about the economic situation in Serbian lands until the 12th century. Throughout the Middle Ages most of the population engaged in agriculture. The development of mining in the mid-13th century led to Serbia’s rapid economic rise. Numerous mines were opened, initiating the production of silver, iron, lead, copper and, rarely, gold. Within a short period, the mines became important urban settlements and trade centres. The development of mining led to the strengthening of ties between the inland and coastal towns and to stronger involvement in trade in the Mediterranean. Commercial activity and urban development reached their peak in the early decades of the 15th century. Not only the social and political, but also an extraordinary economic rise of the Serbian state was violently stopped by the fall of Smederevo in 1459.

In this paper, we intend to undertake a detailed examination of data on prices and wages in medieval Serbia during the 14th and 15th centuries. The known prices in the territory of the Serbian state will be compared with those documented in Dubrovnik (Ragusa) and Kotor. Due to the absence of sources, the incomes of the Serbian nobility can be partially and indirectly ascertained, taking into account the earliest surviving Ottoman defters compiled after the fall of the Despotate. For the period preceding Ottoman rule, even less is known about the wages of other strata of society, which is why we must rely on information pertaining to the area of the Ragusan Commune. We shall endeavour to identify what kinds of goods and properties the nobility and other inhabitants could afford. Based on this, we will be able to roughly gauge their standard of living. Finally, all this may enable us to perceive broader economic and social trends.

The questions of when and from where the Saxons came to the medieval Serbian state have long been present in Serbian historiography. This paper examines the views of Serbian historians from the 19th century to date, and places a focus on the methodological stance that the process of German migration into medieval Serbia can be explored only within the framework of European medieval history. The arrival of the Saxons in medieval Serbia was part of a broader pan-European demographic, economic and political process.

In the mirror of the Ragusan chronography, Serbian sovereigns, with the exception of Stefan Dušan, are portrayed as figures lacking benevolence towards Dubrovnik. This biased approach in the Ragusan narrative sources regarding Serbian rulers prompted the author to turn to documentary sources, both Serbian and Ragusan, which relate to topics addressed in narrative sources. Indeed, when Ragusan chroniclers discuss the political and military aspects of the relations between Dubrovnik and Serbia, they draw extensively from documentary sources. However, these documentary sources often lean towards economic rationality and the pursuit of mutual benefits rather than towards a state of perpetual conflict driven by the irrationality of Serbian sovereigns. This raises the question of the gap in the interpretation of documentary sources by the chroniclers. The article’s author seeks the causes of this gap in the more than two centuries separating the events described from the time of their recording in the chronography. These two centuries witnessed the emergence of new frameworks for historical discourse, influenced by the literary works of the Ragusan Baroque, the spirit of Counter-Reformation, and the communal patriotism fuelled by the pervasive Ottoman and Venetian threat. By incorporating these new frameworks into their narratives, Ragusan chroniclers and historians constructed a new interpretative grid, in which objective discourse gave way to a mythical interpretation of the relationships between Dubrovnik and the medieval Serbian state. According to this framework, the relationship is reduced to the daily resilience of the Ragusan authorities, who are exposed to the arbitrary and unpredictable nature of the Serbian sovereigns from the Nemanjić dynasty. Keywords: Serbia, Dubrovnik, Ragusans, Nemanjić dynasty, chroniclers, documentary sources, narrative sources, history, myth.

In contemporary society, the application of electronic monitoring (EM) as a form of supervision and control of criminal offenders has been enabled by technological advancements and the integration of digital technologies across various sectors, including the criminal justice system. Mass production, increased accessibility and the widespread application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) have facilitated the use of modern technologies in the implementation of certain criminal sanctions and measures. In the Republic of Serbia, the 2009 amendments to the Criminal Code introduced the possibility of using EM in the enforcement of specific non-custodial sanctions and measures against suspected or convicted offenders. EM may be employed in the following cases: for the execution of a custodial sentence not exceeding one year, served at the convict’s residence (house arrest); the enforcement of a measure prohibiting the accused from leaving their residence during the course of criminal proceedings or until the convicted offender is transferred to a correctional facility (house detention); and when the court determines that electronic monitoring is necessary as a condition of the offender’s release on parole. The methodological approach used in the paper required the application of normative, comparative and statistical methods to examine the EM concept and origins, analyze comparative legislation and normative solutions within the Republic of Serbia aimed at developing a sustainable legislative approach, and present empirical data on the application of EM in Serbia. Finally, the analysis of opportunities for improving ЕМ systems served as the basis for the authors’ proposals for its broader application as a mechanism for supervision and control of offenders within the criminal justice system in the future.

This study presents the first comprehensive spatial accessibility assessment of essential urban services in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, conducted entirely with open-source tools and data. The analysis focused on six facility categories: primary healthcare centers, public pharmacies, primary and secondary schools, libraries, and green markets. Spatial accessibility was modelled using OpenRouteService (ORS) isochrones for walking travel times of 5, 10, and 15 min, combined with population data from the Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL). Results indicate that 79% of residents live within a 15-min walk of a healthcare facility, 74% of a pharmacy, 89% of an elementary school, 52% of a high school, 60% of a library, and 62% of a green market. Central administrative units such as Vračar, Zvezdara, and Stari Grad demonstrated nearly complete service coverage, while peripheral areas, including Resnik, Jajinci, and Višnjica, exhibited substantial accessibility deficits, often coinciding with lower-income zones. The developed workflow provides a transparent, replicable approach for identifying underserved neighborhoods and prioritizing investments in public infrastructure. This research emphasizes the role of spatial accessibility analysis in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to the creation of more inclusive, walkable, and sustainable urban environments, while on the other hand, it offers practical insights for improving urban equity, guiding policy formulation, and supporting necessary planning decisions. Subsequent research will focus on alternative facilities, other cities such as Novi Sad and Niš, and the disparity between urban and rural populations.

Traditional food products (TFPs) hold a significant place in the cultural and gastronomic identity of Vojvodina, and consumer interest in these products is continuously growing, positioning them among the most relevant research topics in the fields of hospitality and consumer behavior. The aim of this study was to examine how consumers’ socio-demographic characteristics influence their attitudes and perception of the quality and attributes of TFPs on hospitality and tourism market. The research was conducted on a sample of 507 adult respondents from the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis) and ordinal logistic regression. The results indicate that age, gender, education level and place of residence significantly affect attitudes toward the quality, price, availability, and advantages of TFPs compared to industrial or imported products. Respondents from rural areas, those with lower education levels and lower incomes, show a greater tendency to consume traditional products. The main barriers to consumption were identified as high prices and insufficient information. The regression results showed that gender and place of residence were significant predictors of consumers’ tendency to choose dishes prepared with TFPs in hospitality establishments. The study highlights the need for tailored marketing and educational strategies to improve the accessibility, diversity, and visibility of TFPs on the market, with particular attention to their integration into the hospitality sector. However, the study is limited to the region of Vojvodina and relies on self-reported data, which may introduce response bias. Future research could explore comparative analyses across different regions or include qualitative insights into consumer motivations.

Resilience is universally recognized as a strength or asset, representing a desirable and beneficial quality, trait, or process with the potential to positively influence various aspects of an individual's performance, achievement, health, and well-being. This concept holds particular significance in the context of sports. A cross-sectional research was used in this study with efforts to find out whether there are differences in resilience levels among students based on their sports participation and to determine potential socio-demographic factors contributing to academic resilience. The study involved 379 students from several state universities in the Republic of Serbia (76.0% female and 24.0% male), aged 18 to 30 years (M = 21.67 ± 1.98). The Academic Resilience Scale (ARS) was used in the study, as well as a specific questionnaire for the purpose of this research, which contained inquiries about sociodemographic data of respondents and sport engagement. Results indicated that students engaged in sports show greater levels of academic resilience but there were no significant differences among students engaged in different type of sports (individual/group). The average grade of students was statistically significantly correlated with academic resilience levels. These results emphasize the importance of encouraging sports participation among students as a means to enhance both resilience and academic performance.

The use of modern technology has significantly altered how all economic entities operate as well as how customers and clients behave and expect to be treated. The financial sector has experienced substantial changes as a result of the digitalization process in the last decade. These modifications pertain to the client service delivery system, information exchange inside and between financial institutions, service quality, and the degree of security of digital channels used to deliver services to customers. As the most significant type of financial institution in the world and in the Republic of Serbia, banks have mostly digitized their customer communications and business processes. The high degree of service quality is of particular significance for customers. This article specifically aims to assess customer satisfaction with financial services delivered via banking application. For the purposes of this research study, 200 users of banking applications in the Niš region, representing a broad range of age groups, were surveyed. The SERVQUAL model was used to assess user satisfaction, and the data was processed in the SPSS software program with appropriate tests. Since the level of service quality from the perspective of users in Niš is not at a satisfactory level, we concluded from the analysis that banks must keep working on enhancing their apps and security.

Violence at sporting events is a serious social problem at the global level. The paper points to violence as an illegal behavior in today's modern civilized society, as well as to a specific form of violence based on the place and time of execution, to violence in sports. Sports halls and stadiums often become the scene of opposing sports clubs and fan groups, which leads to the progression and expansion of violence at sports events. Violence in sports then takes the form of criminality. The criminological aspect of the work refers to the etiological factors and causes that lead to the violent behavior of athletes and fans at sports events. The Criminal Code of the Republic of Serbia criminalizes violent behavior at a sports event or public gathering. This criminal act protects public order and peace, the safety of spectators (fans) and players. The paper contains an overview and analysis of criminal law decisions and provisions that regulate protection against violent behavior at sports events or public gatherings in the Republic of Serbia. In the paper, the author presented the state and trend of violent behavior at sports events or public gatherings in relation to reported, accused and convicted persons in the last five-year period. In accordance with the analyzed legal regulations and judicial practice, in the final deliberations, de lege ferenda proposals were given in order to prevent and suppress violence in sports and violent behavior at sports events and public gatherings.

African Swine Fever (ASF) has been posing a significant threat to pig production and wildlife management in the Republic of Serbia since its first detection in 2019. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the spatial and temporal spread of ASF in both domestic and wild pig populations in Serbia from the initial outbreak in the summer of 2019 through May 2025. Additionally, the study aimed to map the risk of ASF in the domestic pig sector to identify the areas where enhanced biosecurity measures could improve future disease control efforts.The analysis is based on official data obtained from the Serbian Veterinary Directorate, specifically from issued decisions related to all affected settlements and hunting grounds where ASF was confirmed. The data on the number of disease outbreaks used in the study are official records submitted to the European Commission through the Animal Diseases Information System for the 2019– 2025 period. Between 2019 and 2025, the spread of ASF in Serbia followed a distinct trajectory, moving from the southeastern regions toward the northwest, ultimately reaching the West Bačka District in Vojvodina in 2025. The disease demonstrates distinct seasonal dynamics: in domestic pigs, the majority of outbreaks occur during summer months, with an additional peak observed in November and December, while in wild boars the number of cases increases during the winter period. ASF is showing signs of becoming endemic in Serbia. The implemented control strategies have largely been reactive rather than preventive, demonstrating limited effectiveness in altering the overall trajectory of the epidemic. The principal risk factors contributing to the spread of ASF in Serbia are linked to the continued circulation of the virus between domestic pig and wild boar populations, predominantly driven by human activities associated with both animal groups.

This paper explores the institutional and financial conditions that determine the development of rural tourism in the Republic of Serbia, as well as the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in rural areas. Through a systematic examination of relevant institutional policies and financial mechanisms, the study aims to identify key factors that foster development and influence the sustainability of rural tourism. Additionally, by conducting interviews with the owners of five rural tourism households in Serbia as representative stakeholders, the authors analyzed specific circumstances and challenges in rural tourism, providing valuable insights into the practical aspects of institutional and financial regulation in this sector. This analysis offers policy recommendations for improving institutional and financial conditions for rural tourism, and provides guidelines for potential investors. Furthermore, the research aims to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurship in rural areas, the further development of rural tourism in Serbia, and, consequently, the strengthening of rural sustainability.

The auditor’s opinion on the operations of agricultural companies in the Republic of Serbia, conditional on reporting on sustainable development, is the topic of this paper. Although reporting on sustainable development is a legal obligation, its absence does not affect the audit opinion. The aim of this paper is to confirm the independence of the audit opinion on sustainable development reporting. The research was conducted on a sample of agricultural enterprises in a three-year period. The audit opinions of those companies and “Annual business reports”, were analyzed. The reports lack quantitative indicators of sustainability and they are primarily descriptive. The Fisher test confirmed the independence of the audit opinion and reporting on sustainable development. The research confirmed that the transparency of investment in sustainable development still does not significantly influence the audit opinion. A proposal was made on how reporting on sustainable development can be improved, within the institutional framework that will impose reporting obligations, and within the reporting of agricultural enterprises.

Using predictive models for assessing the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings constitutes a proactive strategy aimed at preserving financial stability and promoting the long-term viability of businesses. This study focuses on companies in the agricultural and food production sectors within the Republic of Serbia, specifically examining those for which bankruptcy proceedings were initiated in 2022, based on their operational activities in 2021. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the efficiency of the predictive models in forecasting the likelihood of bankruptcy proceedings one year before their initiation. The requisite data for applying these models were obtained from the financial statements of the analyzed companies. The findings indicate that the Vlaović Begović (VB) model demonstrated the highest efficacy in predicting the onset of bankruptcy proceedings within the agricultural sector. Conversely, the Altman Z’ score proved to be the most appropriate model for assessing bankruptcy within the food sector.

BackgroundThe increasing global prevalence of mental disorders as well as a persistent stigma make mental disorders a public health priority. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of psychotropic drugs utilization from 2006 to 2021 in the Republic of Serbia, examining both pre pandemic and pandemic-related changes.MethodsTo conduct this descriptive study, publicly available data on psychotropic drugs were retrieved from the official website of the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of Serbia (ALIMS). The linear and joinpoint regression were used in data analysis.ResultsA total of 54 psychotropic drugs use was analyzed from 2006 to 2021. There was an increase in the consumption of antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, anti-dementia drugs and gabapentinoid-based drugs. The increase in the consumption of the psychotropic drugs was linear, with no differences between the pre-COVID-19 period and the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrary, a significant decrease in use was observed for some antidepressants (maprotiline, moclobemide, mianserin), antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine), psychostimulants and nootropic drugs (piracetam), anxiolytics (diazepam, prazepam), sedatives and hypnotics (midazolam).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic did not contribute to change in consumption of psychotropic drugs in Serbia. Still, the use of antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, anti-dementia drugs and gabapentinoids increased from 2006 to 2021.

In 2024, high-resolution (10 cm resolution) magnetic susceptibility (MS) data acquisition and subsequent sample preparation and laboratory measurements were conducted at the “Rudnik” mine tailing site in the Republic of Serbia. The dataset consists of 1010 measurements obtained from 7 boreholes, with the largest borehole containing 218 continuously measured MS samples and the smallest containing 103 measured values. The dataset includes mass magnetic susceptibility data from seven boreholes, accompanied by lithological descriptions of the respective samples and measured sample mass data. High-resolution MS data were obtained during the characterization phase of flotation tailings, as the MS technique is established as an effective proxy for detecting heavy metals in tailings, while also being cost-effective, straightforward, and rapid. Consequently, researchers can acquire extensive data which is correlated with heavy metal concentrations while reserving costly and time-intensive chemical analyses only for the most relevant samples obtained by the analysis of MS values. The significance of such datasets resides in their ability to foster transparency and collaboration, thereby facilitating cross-disciplinary research that may enhance the methodology of the MS technique. In addition to its direct geophysical applications, the dataset fosters transparency and interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing geoscientists, statisticians, and data scientists to evaluate and refine methodologies that could improve the efficiency of the MS technique in the future.

This report outlines the legislative framework and institutional mechanisms in the fight against organised crime, as well as international police cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and its foreign partners. The legislative framework includes key international and national sources, particularly the Palermo Convention against Organized Crime, the Law on the Organisation and Competencies of State Bodies in the Fight against Organised Crime, Terrorism and Corruption, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Criminal Code and the Law on Confiscation of Property Acquired through Crime, among others. Institutional mechanisms crucial for combatting organised crime encompass various forms of police and intelligence operations alongside various authorities, organisations and agencies. In the final section, the report offers several proposals for enhancing the legislative framework and the operational practices of police and law enforcement agencies. Given Serbia’s application for EU membership, the importance of aligning national laws with EU regulations in the fight against organised crime and other serious criminal activities is particularly emphasised.