A joint investigation conducted by the German magazine Der Spiegel and the investigative journalism network BIRN has uncovered connections between the German government and the administration of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. According to leaked documents originating from the German Ministry of Economics, the funding appears to support a close advisor operating within the presidential palace in Belgrade, utilizing taxpayer funds. The primary stated objective of this support is to secure access for the German automotive sector to the Jadar Valley, which holds one of Europe’s most significant lithium reserves.
The advisor in question is Jörg Heeskens, who is reported to be 49 years old. Der Spiegel noted that Heeskens is reportedly the sole advisor to the president whose position is funded by the German government from outside of Germany. The documents suggest that through this arrangement, Heeskens has successfully established an official agreement, secured a private office, and gained personnel support within the Serbian president’s cabinet.
This development highlights a direct link between German economic interests and high-level political appointments in Serbia. The investigation points toward a strategic effort to facilitate German industry’s involvement in critical European raw materials markets, mediated through the German government’s financial backing of a key figure in Belgrade’s political structure.
Topics: #german #der #spiegel
