Key Step towards Expo 2027: Serbia and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Have Signed the See Agreement

The Republic of Serbia and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) have signed the Agreement on Privileges and Benefits Necessary for the Participation in the Expo 2027 Belgrade (See Agreement), which constitutes a binding legal basis for every International Exhibition under the auspices of the BIE.

The See Agreement, signed at the Expo 2027 Playground in Hall 5 of the Belgrade Fair by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Serbia, Siniša Mali, and the BIE Secretary General, Dimitri Kerkentzes, is a key document on the path to the successful organisation of Expo 2027 and represents an international obligation of Serbia according to the Paris Convention Relating to International Exhibitions of 1928 and the Bureau’s established practices.

Previously adopted at the General Assembly of the BIE in June this year, this document provides the international legal framework for the arrival and work of foreign delegations, the construction of pavilions, the establishment of legal entities for individual participating countries in Serbia, the opening of their business accounts, the recognition of driving licenses, the flow of goods, tax and customs relief, and defines the legal status of the Expo 2027 Belgrade participants.

“The signing of the See Agreement is a crucial step for the Republic of Serbia in the organisation of Expo 2027, as this agreement facilitates the participation of the exhibition participants and enables them to exercise their mandates within the framework of Expo 2027. We are proud of the high interest from countries around the world in participating in Expo 2027, and we will do our utmost to justify the trust they have shown. We will make every effort to facilitate all participants’ stay in Belgrade and ensure that they leave our city and country with the most positive impressions possible,” First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali stated.

Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions, Dimitri Kerkentzes, emphasised that the signing of the See Agreement represents a significant step towards Expo 2027.

“The See Agreement is an important instrument in setting the stage for high-quality participation in Expos, guaranteeing that international participants are welcomed with the best conditions. The signature of the Expo 2027 Belgrade See Agreement – following its approval by BIE Member States during the 176th General Assembly in June – is a significant achievement in the road towards a truly collaborative and inspiring Expo in 2027,” Kerkentzes said.

By signing the See Agreement, Serbia has sent a clear message that all binding formal prerequisites for the participation of international partners have been ensured, guaranteeing them safety and predictability at all times – whether it concerns the import of equipment, temporary stay, or tax and customs treatment.