Europa Nostra, ICOMOS, DOCOMOMO International and ACE Joint Statement on Generalštab Modernist Complex

Joint statement

What is the proposed “Lex Specialis” on Generalštab?

The proposed “Lex Specialis” aims to suspend Serbia’s existing laws on cultural heritage and environment regarding the implementation of any future development project related to the Generalštab 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’s protected status by Government Decision of 14 November 2024, which is considered by many as illegal.

This draft Law falsely presents the Generalštab as a “ruin dangerous to citizens”, disregarding decades of expert recognition of its exceptional architectural and historical value. The complex – which was damaged during the NATO bombing campaign in 1999 – 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.

Consequences of the Generalštab Complex possible demolition

The possible demolition of the Generalštab Complex would not only erase a European masterpiece of modernist architecture and a symbol of Yugoslavia’s and Serbia’s post-war creativity and identity, but also inflict further irreparable damage on the country’s international reputation, especially in the framework of its relationship with the European Union, the Council of Europe and UNESCO.

Past alerts and rallying

International organisations have already repeatedly expressed the values and importance of this masterpiece: ICOMOS through the ICOMOS Heritage Alert procedure, DOCOMOMO, 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 Generalštab Modernist Ensemble was also included in Europa Nostra’s most recent Statement of Solidarity with Serbia’s 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.

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.

Call to action

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:

• Immediate withdrawal of the draft “Lex Specialis” from parliamentary procedure;
• Annulment of the Government’s decision that illegally removed the Generalštab’s protected status;
• Publication of all agreements and contracts concerning this site, and annulment of any document that contravene Serbia’s Constitution and laws;
• Initiation of a transparent and inclusive public and expert debate on the revitalisation of the Generalštab Modernist Complex, in line with the public interest and the principle of democratic governance, the respect of the rule of law – including the series of relevant European and international conventions signed and ratified by Serbia, with the view of ensuring proper safeguard and enhancement of cultural heritage of national and European importance, with due participation of experts, civil society and local community.