Belgrade’s Hotel Project Featuring Jared Kushner Gets Green Light from Serbia

The Serbian government has approved a contract with Jared Kushner to build a luxury hotel on the site of the former defense ministry in Belgrade, sparking controversy and protests in the city. Kushner, in partnership with Richard Grenell, is pursuing a $500 million hotel project on the prime real estate site that was bombed by NATO forces in 1999.

The deal, with an affiliate of Kushner’s Affinity Partners, has raised concerns about foreign involvement in Serbian development, especially given Kushner’s ties to former President Donald Trump. The approved plan includes not only a hotel and residential units but also a museum and memorial complex to honor those affected by the NATO bombings.

Opposition leaders in the Serbian parliament have criticized the contract, with protesters blocking traffic and questioning the decision to hand over the site to American investors. Some object to the United States’ role in the bombing and believe that foreign companies should not be involved in the redevelopment of such a historically significant location.

House Democrats have also raised concerns about the project, calling for an investigation into the proposed deals. However, Republicans have not taken action on the matter. Kushner has defended his right to pursue international business deals, stating that his firm operates professionally and is a trusted investor in such projects.

The approval of the contract with Kushner has ignited a debate in Serbia about the balance between economic development and national sovereignty, as well as the implications of foreign investment in the country’s future.