Čadež at the Trilateral Commission Meeting in Vienna: On the Future of Europe and the Integration of the Western Balkans into the EU 23 November

The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), Marko Čadež, participated in the two-day session of the European Trilateral Commission in Vienna, where the main topic was Europe’s strategy — how to preserve and strengthen its role on the global stage in the context of technological and geopolitical competition, and the strengthening of alliances and partnerships.

The conference, held at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, took place under the motto “Agenda for Europe’s Role in the New World Order,” with special attention devoted to the need to increase investment capacities in technologies (AI, IoT, industrial digitalization) to ensure Europe remains competitive, as well as to the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU.

“As a new member, this was my first time participating in such an event, and it is truly a great honor, but also a major opportunity to hear from political and business decision-makers about the issues driving public life and European politics in relation to global developments,” said Čadež.

He emphasized that the key themes included how Europe positions itself at a time of global tensions and the war in Ukraine, as well as in light of the new political reality in the United States—how Europe views itself, what goals it sets for its security and defense policies, and its stance on global issues.

“It was truly valuable to hear, above all, a renewed sense of optimism, since Europe has for a long time—over the past year or two—gone through a period of uncertainty about global developments and how to position itself. Now we can see that certain mechanisms are slowly being set in motion, including topics that are important to us, such as enlargement and the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU,” Čadež noted.

According to him, nearly all participants—political and major business leaders and members of the Trilateral Commission—expressed strong determination that a way must be found to accelerate the integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU.

“They stressed that this is a highly important geopolitical issue and that it must not be delayed. That is one of the most important impressions I took away,” emphasized Čadež.

He added that technology was another major topic of discussion.

“I had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues that have significantly transformed Serbia’s economy and the country’s image in the world. Serbia is recognized as a technological hub, a place with strong innovation potential, and one of the leading software exporters per capita. Today, Serbia is recognized not only as a technologically developed economy, but also as an economy that has built the fundamentals for the new digital-age economy,” the CCIS President said.

He stressed that it was personally important for him to raise the issue of improving regional cooperation.

“I personally want to help create an even stronger cooperation platform among us. As a region, we have a lot to offer, yet it seems that too little is known about us,” Čadež stated.

He highlighted that for the Western Balkan region in particular, it was crucial to hear a clear position that new ways of accelerating integration into EU structures must be considered, as this is essential for Europe’s security and consolidation in the new global order.

Čadež expressed special gratitude to the Serbian members of the Trilateral Commission who attended the meeting in Vienna—World Bank and EBRD advisers, as well as Harvard Alumni Association Director Aleksandra Drecun, Agrikom Group founder Aleksandar Lalić, and Mia Kovačić, Rockefeller Foundation fellow and industrial decarbonization expert.

The Trilateral Commission is an international, non-governmental organization founded in 1973 at the initiative of David Rockefeller and Zbigniew Brzezinski. Since then, it has served as a forum for discussion, the exchange of ideas, and policy and economic recommendations. Membership is by invitation—bringing together prominent figures from politics, business, academia, and the media, with around 400 members worldwide.