Čadež: Constructive Discussion with Marta Kos – The Western Balkans Belong on the EU Single Market

Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and a member of the Eurochambres delegation, met today in Brussels with EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Marta Kós. They discussed the challenges facing the Western Balkans on its path toward integration into the EU Single Market and full EU membership.

The Eurochambres delegation, which included presidents of chambers of commerce from candidate and potential candidate countries, was led by Vladimir Dlouhý, President of Eurochambres.

According to Čadež, the meeting with Commissioner Kós was very constructive, covering important issues for regional economies, particularly the integration of Western Balkan economies into the EU Single Market ahead of full membership.

As Čadež explained, integration involves several elements – from joint border management, exchange and harmonization of customs documents and certificates, to other collaborative activities – without which the Western Balkans cannot be fully included in the EU Single Market.

“We already have all of this prepared, but what’s missing is motivation from various sectors of the European Commission – customs, energy, trade – to show more willingness to support the Western Balkans and resolve the challenges the region faces on its path toward EU integration. That’s where we requested support and assistance, and the Commissioner understood why this is crucial,” Čadež emphasized.

He added that the free movement of goods is not only important for the Balkan economies but also for European industry, as losses are measured in hundreds of millions of euros annually simply because the necessary documentation for the free flow of goods is not harmonized, leading to long border delays.

“This is a loss for all of us – especially in a world where customs duties have become a geopolitical issue. You must expand your market, and right here in the heart of Europe, you still haven’t figured out how to properly integrate the Western Balkans into the EU Single Market – to make it equal, just like any other part of the Union in terms of economy and economic dynamics,” Čadež stated from Brussels.

Eurochambres President Vladimir Dlouhý said the business community strongly believes that enlargement, strengthening of ties, and leveraging the advantages of the EU Single Market are extremely important for candidate countries.

“If we truly deepen economic ties with Western Balkan countries – countries like Serbia – it could have positive political consequences, but most importantly, it would bring economic progress, to the benefit of both sides,” Dlouhý concluded.