Serbia will face renewed opposition to lithium mining

Significance The project was scrapped by the government two years earlier after protests against it had erupted across the country. Local environmental groups suspected that the project had been put on hold rather than terminated and Vucic’s announcement has only confirmed those fears. Impacts The government could decide to call a local referendum in the town of Loznica on the mine, which may see it obtain local support. The EU’s backing of the project could alienate the liberal opposition, which may further erode public support for Serbia’s EU membership. The government could expedite the project during the summer, exploiting the heat and the holiday season to forestall potential protests.