![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ace-cae.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Capture-decran-2025-11-04-a-12.27.19-1024x576.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe proposed \u201cLex Specialis\u201d aims to suspend Serbia\u2019s existing laws on cultural heritage and environment regarding the implementation of any future development project related to the General\u0161tab 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\u2019s protected status by Government Decision of 14 November 2024, which is considered by many as illegal. This draft Law falsely presents the General\u0161tab as a \u201cruin dangerous to citizens\u201d, disregarding decades of expert recognition of its exceptional architectural and historical value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The complex \u2013 which was damaged during the NATO bombing campaign in 1999 \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The possible demolition of the General\u0161tab Complex would not only erase a European masterpiece of modernist architecture and a symbol of Yugoslavia\u2019s and Serbia\u2019s post-war creativity and identity, but also inflict further irreparable damage on the country\u2019s international reputation, especially in the framework of its relationship with the European Union, the Council of Europe and UNESCO. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
International organisations have already repeatedly expressed the values and importance of this masterpiece: ICOMOS through the ICOMOS Heritage Alert procedure, DOMOMOMO, 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 General\u0161tab Modernist Ensemble was also included in Europa Nostra\u2019s most recent Statement of Solidarity with Serbia\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Photo Courtesy of Europa Nostra Serbia<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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: <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ace-cae.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2025-Summit-Brussels-Newsletter-Statement-Serbia-ed.jpg\")
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