More than 300 representatives of small and medium-sized businesses, international financial institutions and the European Commission were present in Belgrade for a day of information, networking and matchmaking. A further 200 participants followed online, benefitting from the virtual networking opportunities on the dedicated event platform.

H.E. Emanuele Giaufret, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia opened the event: “Our common goal is to promote economic growth and sustainable development. The support provided by the European Union is designed to align economies with EU standard by the time they integrate fully to the Union. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans includes support for the whole region. The reforms, to which all governments have committed, will contribute to improving the business environment by strengthening competitiveness and the rule of law.”

Adrijana Mesarović, Acting Minister of Economy of Serbia, emphasised: “The SME sector is the backbone of the Serbian economy, with over 110,000 active entities employing more than two-thirds of the working-age population. The EU is a key partner in developing the SME sector. Entrepreneurs in the region have shown resilience, strength, and creativity. Now is the time to support that energy through better access to finance, digital and green transformation, and internationalisation.”

Mr. Marko Čadež, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia said: “Funding is important, but it’s not everything. For companies from the region it is even more important to gain full access to the EU single market even before formal membership. This very idea is reflected in the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans — to level the playing field for companies in the region with their counterparts in the EU.”

He reminded that the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB 6 CIF) was established eight years ago to open new opportunities for companies and strengthen dialogue with EU institutions. He announced that the region’s chambers of commerce will continue to develop new tools and services to keep companies informed in a timely manner about available financial support programmes.

A first panel session of Open4Business 2025 helped MSMEs navigate EU-supported financing programmes with best practices and supporting tools. Christophe Galand, Head of Unit for the Western Balkans, DG ENEST, European Commission said: “As well as investing in roads, electricity networks and infrastructure, we are also investing in access to finance. Micro, small and medium-sized businesses are a driving force in economic development, and the green and digital transition will not be made without them.”

The discussion between Alessandra Spinelli, Head of Blending and Technical Assistance, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Miloš Kosić, Associate Director, Financial Institutions, EBRD, Amir Salkanović, CEO, Procredit Bank Bosnia and Herzegovina was followed by a Q&A session.

The second panel session presented the WBIF financing programmes and practical experiences of local financial intermediaries and companies that have benefitted from the EU-supported financial products. Speakers were Damien Sorrell, Head of the Regional Hub for the Western Balkans, EIB, Mile Bradaš, Executive Director for SME division, NLB Komercijalna banka, Igor Anić, CEO, Procredit Bank Serbia and Matea Franjić, Executive Director, Kristal d.o.o, Bosnia Herzegovina.

The last panel session focused on challenges and opportunities of integrating value chains, and best practices for fostering investment and growth. Speakers: Ben Butters, CEO, Eurochambres, Jürgen Schreder, Austrian economic delegate, WKÖ, Austrian Foreign Trade Centre, Miloš Vuksanović, Country Manager (Serbia and Montenegro), Schneider Electric, David Piegazki, Secretary-General, Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum.

Key challenges in the Western Balkans’ business environment were also explored, including the need to stimulate local banks to open up to new financial products. Speakers from financial institutions emphasised the importance of adjusting their products to the gaps in the market and the need to accompany market evolution.

The afternoon was dedicated to matchmaking between Western Balkans and European businesses and financial institutions for further collaboration and support. There was a marked interest in creating partnerships across the Western Balkans and also with EU companies. The practical experience of companies who have already benefitted from EU-supported financial products was shared, with representatives of local financial institutions indicating key lessons learned.

Marko Spasenović, CEO of Flexisense, a private spin-off of Research Institute for Chemistry, Technology and Metalurgy of University of Belgrade: “The event was a good opportunity to gather practical information as well as to network with people from different industries. Our product is a wearable sensor that tracks respiration during exercise. To further develop our product, we want to employ technical and marketing staff and to expand our markets. At the event I discovered many credit lines available with an EU guarantee, and will definitely apply directly through commercial banks.”

More about the Open4Business event here