President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, visited construction sites today on the segment of the high-speed road "Ib Red," specifically between Bački Breg and Srpska Crnja near Bezdan. This visit was part of his ongoing efforts to highlight the significance of infrastructure projects in northern Serbia, particularly focusing on the broader "Osmeh Vojvodine" project. The initiative aims to connect several regions within Vojvodina and enhance transportation links with neighboring countries such as Hungary and Romania.
The total length of the high-speed road, which stretches from the Hungarian border at Bački Breg through cities like Sombor, Kula, Vrbas, Srbobran, Bečej, Novi Bečej, Kikinda, and finally to the Romanian border at Srpska Crnja, is 185.5 kilometers. It has been designed for a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour. The project encompasses more than 11,000 hectares of land, divided into two sectors and eight segments.
An initial commercial contract was signed with the Azerbaijani company "Azvirt" for five segments totaling 94.2 kilometers, starting from Bački Breg and passing through Sombor, Kljajićev, Sivac, Crvenka, Kula, Vrbas, and ending at Srbobran. Additionally, a contract for the design and execution of the first 23 kilometers of this highway was signed on March 18 of this year in the presence of President Vučić, according to reports from "Koridor Srbije."
Construction activities on the first segment (Bački Breg-Sombor) currently involve removing topsoil, excavating materials at locations where cuts are planned, preparing the subgrade, constructing embankments, and laying the base layer. These efforts are aimed at significantly improving the geographical position of cities like Sombor and Kikinda, along with several surrounding municipalities, thereby facilitating their faster and more efficient development.
The areas naturally gravitating towards this new highway include the municipalities of Apatin, Odžaci, Bačka Palanka, Ada, and Nova Crnja. The completion of this highway will positively impact the inter-municipal connectivity within Vojvodina's regional centers, improve the connection between the western Bačka and northern Banat regions with the E75 motorway, and thus strengthen ties with Novi Sad, Belgrade, and other parts of Serbia. Furthermore, it will shorten the link between Vojvodina and both Hungary and Romania, enhancing international connectivity for the entire region.
President Vučić emphasized during his visit that the "Smajli" highway is crucial for saving the entire area, attracting investors, creating jobs, and ensuring a secure future for all. He stated that the goal is to complete the project within two and a half to three years, providing a safe future for everyone involved.
The highway includes 11 loops, 32 bridges, 34 overpasses, 12 underpasses, and three surface roundabouts. Construction work on the segment from Bački Breg to Kljajićev, which is 34.1 kilometers long, is expected to be completed by June 2028. Vučić requested the contractor, the Azerbaijani company "Azvirt," to finish this section by the time of the Day of Victory in 2028. He also highlighted the importance of completing the segment from Bački Breg to Sombor, which is 22.7 kilometers long, by April 2028.
Vučić noted that the completion of the segment up to Kljajićev is vital for the residents of that area and stressed the need to prepare for further extensions towards Kula, Vrbas, and Srbobran, as well as continuing through Radičević, Novi Bečej, Novi Milošev, Bočar, and towards Kikinda. He mentioned that the entire highway is expected to be completed within four to five years.
The highway will connect significant portions of Vojvodina, including western Bačka, northern Bačka, the northern part of the Southern Bačka district, northern Banat, and even central Banat. It will start from Malo Iđoš and Feketić, crossing after Vrbas and exiting at Srbobran. Vučić also emphasized the need to complete the rehabilitation of the main road from Sombor to Kula, which is 14 kilometers long, as it had been promised to citizens.
He pointed out that once the highways from Belgrade to Zrenjanin and Zrenjanin to Novi Sad are completed, the major roads in Vojvodina will be essentially resolved. Vučić highlighted that gas, electricity, and good roads attract investors who provide life to towns in Serbia. He noted that the state does not only build new highways but also invests 500 million euros annually in maintaining existing ones.
Vučić shared anecdotes about the economic progress in northern Serbia, mentioning that average wages in Sombor were 330 euros in 2012 but have now risen to 864 euros. He stressed the need to bring large investors to Sombor and acknowledged his personal efforts in supporting various regions, including Sombor, Požarevac, and others.
Regarding the quality of roads in Serbia, Vučić remarked that they are now comparable to racing tracks, noting that he hadn't seen a pothole on the highways in the past five years. He cited the example of Dara, the Bulgarian winner of Eurovision, who praised Serbian roads, saying, "When I enter Serbia, I am saved." Vučić emphasized that entering Serbia from EU countries now means encountering much better roads, highlighting investments from Croatia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia.
In addition to the infrastructure developments, President Vučić is set to meet with Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, on July 6 and 7 in Belgrade. Their meeting, scheduled for 7 PM at the Tolstoy Club, aims to further strengthen cooperation between Serbia and Italy, focusing on infrastructure, transportation, and economic development. This visit follows previous meetings and underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations, especially regarding investments in infrastructure and logistics.
8 reports
Večernje novostiParty-alignedCenterFactual 100Objective 9517 hr. agoThe President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, will meet tomorrow with Matteo Salvini, the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers in the Italian government and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, during an official visit to Belgrade. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Tolstoy Club in Belgrade at 7:00 PM. Salvini will stay in Belgrade on July 6th and 7th, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between Italy and Serbia, particularly in infrastructure, transportation, and economic development. This will be their first high-level meeting since May 2019, when Salvini was the Minister of the Interior and confirmed Italy’s support for Serbia’s accession to the European Union. Last year, Vučić hosted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during her visit to Serbia.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the upcoming meeting between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Italian Minister Matteo Salvini, focusing on bilateral relations and cooperation. It includes background information on previous meetings and does not exhibit clear bias through loaded语言,one
Why these scores (Factual 100 · Objective 95): This article accurately describes the new Večernje novosti app, including its features and availability in both scripts. The tone is neutral and aligned with the primary source document.
Večernje novostiParty-alignedCenterFactual 100Objective 9521 hr. ago "OSMEH VOJVODINE" ZA OSMEHE VOJVOĐANA: Predsednik obišao radove na deonici brze saobraćajnice od Bačkog Brega do KljajićevaThe article reports on President Aleksandar Vučić's visit to construction sites along the 'Osmeh Vojvodine' motorway section between Bački Breg and Kljajićevo. He announced that this 34.1 km segment should be completed by June 2028. Vučić emphasized the importance of completing this part quickly due to its significance for residents in the area, as it would connect major cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad. He outlined plans for extending the motorway further towards Kula, Vrbas, and Srbobran, and highlighted the economic benefits of improved infrastructure, including attracting investors and boosting local economies. The president also mentioned ongoing efforts to rehabilitate roads and improve connectivity across northern Serbia.
Bias read (Center): While the article discusses a politically sensitive infrastructure project with potential regional implications, the framing remains balanced, focusing on factual updates and the president’s emphasis on economic development. There is no overt ideological slant or selective emphasis on specific group
Why these scores (Factual 100 · Objective 95): This article directly aligns with the primary source document, accurately describing the new Večernje novosti app features and its availability in both scripts. The tone remains neutral and factual.
BlicIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 6521 hr. agoThe article discusses the construction of the 'Osmeh Vojvodine' highway, a major infrastructure project in northern Serbia aimed at connecting the Bačka and Banat regions. The highway, spanning 185 kilometers, will connect the border crossings of Bački Breg with Hungary and Nakovo with Romania, transforming Vojvodina into a key transportation hub. It promises significant time savings for travelers, reducing travel time between Novi Sad and Sombor from over an hour and a half to just one hour. The project includes 46 bridges, 12 interchanges, and various other engineering features. Economic benefits are highlighted, including improved logistics and connections to the port of Bogojevo. Construction has already begun on the section near Bački Breg, with plans to open the segment up to Kljajićeva by May 2028.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the 'Osmeh Vojvodine' highway as a significant national infrastructure project with clear economic and logistical benefits. While it emphasizes the importance of the project for regional development and connectivity, there is no overt ideological framing or emphasis on specific党
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 65): The article discusses the 'Osmeh Vojvodine' highway project but does not mention the new Večernje novosti app. It focuses on infrastructure details, which are plausible but lack specific references to the app launch.
BlicIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 752 days ago MATEO SALVINI 6 and 7 July in Belgrade: Here is the purpose of his stayThe article reports that Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini will visit Serbia from July 6th to 7th. The main goal of his visit is to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Italy and Serbia, with a particular focus on infrastructure, transportation, and economic development. The Italian government has announced this visit, and further details will be provided later. The piece provides basic information about the visit without additional commentary.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about an official visit without apparent ideological framing. It focuses on the stated goals of strengthening bilateral relations and does not take a clear stance on the implications or motivations behind the visit. The tone remains neutral and objective.
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 75): Partially relevant but focuses more on timeline comparisons than specific project details. Generally balanced but lacks depth.
BlicIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 65yesterday Vučić today visits the works on the construction of the Bački breg - Srpska Crnja section: "Osmeh Vojvodine" will be 185.5 kilometers long, will have 32 bridgesThe article reports on President Aleksandar Vučić visiting construction sites for the section of the high-speed road IB Reda between Bački Breg and Srpska Crnja. The project spans 185.5 kilometers and is designed for speeds up to 100 km/h, covering over 11,000 hectares. It includes 11 roundabouts, 32 bridges, 34 overpasses, 12 culverts, and three traffic circles. The road aims to improve connectivity between cities like Sombor, Kikinda, and others, enhancing regional development and international connections with Hungary and Romania. Contracts were signed with Azerbaijani company Azvirt for five sections totaling 94.2 km, and a separate agreement was made for the first 23 km of the road.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about a major infrastructure project led by the Serbian president, focusing on technical specifications and economic benefits. While the subject involves government action and national development, the framing remains neutral, providing factual data without overtly赞扬
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 65): The article covers the 'Osmeh Vojvodine' highway project with technical specifications but does not reference the new app. The content is factually sound but unrelated to the primary source document.
RepublikaParty-alignedCenterFactual 65Objective 6016 hr. agoPresident of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić will meet with Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini in Belgrade tomorrow at the Tolstoy Club at 7 PM, according to an announcement from the Serbian Presidency. Salvini is on an official visit to Belgrade from July 6th to 7th, continuing the strong political and economic dialogue between Serbia and Italy. The meeting follows their previous successful meetings, including one in 2019 where Salvini supported Serbia’s European route and emphasized its role in Balkan stability. The two leaders aim to strengthen strategic partnership and agree on new joint projects in transportation and logistics. This visit aligns with Italy's ongoing efforts to increase investment in Serbia, particularly in infrastructure, automotive industry, and green transition.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the meeting between Vučić and Salvini as part of ongoing diplomatic and economic cooperation, emphasizing mutual support and collaboration. There is no overt ideological slant or emphasis on one side over the other. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the continuation of a
Why these scores (Factual 65 · Objective 60): The article discusses a meeting between Vučić and Italian officials but does not mention the new app. It provides factual information about diplomatic relations but lacks relevance to the primary source document.
Večernje novostiParty-alignedRightFactual 65Objective 60yesterday OVO JE DEONICA KOJU VUČIĆ DANAS OBILAZI: Istorijski projekat spasava sever Srbije i osigurava budućnostPresident of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić is visiting construction sites today for a section of the high-speed railway line 'Ib' between Bački Breg and Srpska Crnja near Bezdan. The project connects Serbia with Hungary and Romania, spanning 185.5 kilometers and designed for speeds up to 100 km/h. The infrastructure includes 11 loops, 32 bridges, and other elements aimed at improving transportation connectivity in northern Serbia. The project is expected to boost economic development in regions like Sombor, Kikinda, and surrounding areas by enhancing access to major cities such as Novi Sad, Belgrade, and beyond. Vučić emphasized during a March visit that this railway would bring investors, jobs, and secure the future of the region.
Bias read (Right): The article presents the project in a highly positive light, emphasizing President Vučić’s personal involvement and his claims about the project saving the region and securing the future. It uses strong, optimistic language ('spasi ceo ovaj kraj', 'sigurnu budućnost') and focuses on the benefits of
Why these scores (Factual 65 · Objective 60): The article discusses an official visit by Italian officials but does not mention the new app. It provides factual information about international relations but lacks relevance to the primary source document.
KurirParty-alignedCenterFactual 60Objective 5517 hr. agoPresident of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić visited construction sites on the Voivodina Smajlija section of the Belgrade-Banja Luka motorway and announced plans to implement a system allowing him real-time oversight of all infrastructure projects across the country. He emphasized that Serbia allocates around 500 million euros annually for road maintenance, highlighting improved quality compared to neighboring countries like Bulgaria. Vučić cited Bulgarian Eurovision winner Dara, who praised Serbian roads during her stay in Serbia, saying she felt 'saved' upon entering the country. The president stressed that Serbian highways are now in excellent condition with minimal potholes and encouraged citizens to report any issues they find.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Vučić’s announcement regarding infrastructure improvements without overtly praising or criticizing his administration. While he highlights Serbia’s progress and cites external validation from Dara, there is no clear ideological leaning toward either left or right. The tone is ap
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 55): The article mentions President Vučić visiting construction sites but does not reference the new app. It includes political statements and infrastructure details, but lacks connection to the primary source document about the app.
Serbia
