Serbia’s ruling party has submitted a special law to parliament to accelerate a proposed Trump Tower Belgrade luxury hotel and residential complex backed by Jared Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners, with a first debate scheduled for Tuesday, 4 November 2025.

The $500 million scheme would redevelop the former Yugoslav Army and Ministry of Defence site in central Belgrade under a long-term lease agreed with the government.

The move follows months of political scrutiny and public protests over the project’s scale, location and governance.

What the special law proposes

The draft “lex specialis” is designed to bypass standard city planning and construction procedures, allowing the development to proceed more quickly on a site that has proved legally and technically complex.

A bloc of 110 lawmakers in the 250-seat assembly tabled the bill, which the government says is intended to enable “revitalisation and development” of the damaged complex.

Sponsors argue the measure would set tailored rules for the project, while opponents say it circumvents ordinary oversight and tendering norms.

Site history and legal questions

The location—two landmark buildings designed by architect Nikola Dobrović—was heavily damaged during the 1999 NATO bombing and later placed under cultural protection.

In May 2025, Serbia’s organised-crime prosecutor announced the arrest of a former heritage official on suspicion of forging documents that paved the way to strip parts of the site’s protected status, prompting a temporary pause and intensifying public debate. Kushner’s firm said it had no involvement in the designation process.

President Aleksandar Vučić has since signalled the project should continue, arguing redevelopment would modernise the city while preserving memorial elements.

Timing, investment and political context

Affinity Partners’ outline deal with the Serbian government includes a 99-year land lease at no upfront cost to the developer and a 22% share of future profits for the state, according to prior disclosures.

Parliament’s timetable puts the debate on 4 November, with backers presenting the project as a catalyst for foreign investment; critics point to transparency concerns and the symbolism of awarding a high-profile site linked to the NATO campaign to a U.S. developer.

Demonstrations earlier this year underscored local unease about heritage, process and public benefit.

Any passage of the special law would likely be followed by detailed regulatory steps and further court scrutiny given ongoing legal issues around the site’s status.