Belgrade, December 4, 2025 – Serbia has a unique opportunity to define a new stage of development based on sustainability, innovation, a highly qualified workforce, and a stable business environment. Achieving this goal requires strong policies, clear regulations, and a modern approach to technology and vocational education. CEBAC is ready to support this process and help remove obstacles to unlock the full potential of the Serbian economy — this was the key message of today’s conference organized by the Council of European Business Associations and Bilateral Chambers – CEBAC, held at the Embassy of Italy in Belgrade.
The aim of the conference, which brought together numerous officials and senior representatives of Serbian and European institutions, the diplomatic and business communities, business leaders and financial institutions, was to provide a comprehensive overview of the key factors shaping the contemporary investment environment in Serbia — an analysis of current and future investment trends, presentation of new financial instruments, examination of the role of innovation as a driver of growth and competitiveness, as well as identification of the main opportunities and challenges for attracting investments in the coming years.
“Serbia has the opportunity to define a new development phase — one in which innovation, sustainability, technological progress and a stable business environment are the key drivers of growth. To fully realize this potential, it is necessary to improve the regulatory framework, modernize the approach to supporting innovation and technologies, accelerate the reform of vocational education, and create policies that keep pace with rapidly evolving economic opportunities. CEBAC remains committed to this process,” emphasized Silvija Rakić, Secretary General of CEBAC.
Luca Gori, Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, stated that Italy’s presence in Serbia is both historic and significant. “With almost 4 billion euros in investments, around 1,200 registered Italian companies, Italy as the third-largest trading partner, and trade exchange which as of September 2025 reached 3.5 billion euros (an increase of 8%), while in 2024 it amounted to 4.5 billion euros. The current phase the country is going through represents both a challenge and an opportunity, and Italy stands by its companies, supporting them with a wide range of instruments and initiatives,” noted Ambassador Gori.
“The EU Delegation to Serbia stands ready to support CEBAC, the young business council, in strengthening its role as a platform for dialogue on economic policies and for coordinating issues related to the business environment, EU investments and the implementation of EU standards in Serbia. The future of Serbia and the Western Balkans lie in the European Union — and the time for investment, reforms and growth is now. The EU is here to move forward together with Serbia, as its largest investor, its largest trading partner and its closest economic ally,” stated Andreas von Bekerat.
A special highlight for conference participants was the economic outlook analysis presented by Pasquale De Mico, Head of the Section for European Integration and Economy at the EU Delegation to Serbia.
Across three panel discussions, it was emphasized that Serbia can develop an economy based on innovation, sustainability and technological advancement. The panelists highlighted that diversification of financial instruments — such as minibonds and green bonds — can stimulate business growth, while innovation has become an absolute necessity.
To see more captured moments of this event, please click here.