Have the article read by OpenAI (Beta). Please note that AI translations may take some time to process.Brussels (enr) – Accession to the European Union is key for the Western Balkans and full access to the EU single market is crucial to the continent’s security, said the head of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce in Industry in an interview with the European Newsroom (enr) published on Wednesday.
“If you see the landscape of the European Union, you will see that the Western Balkans is in the middle of it and it’s still not part of the whole architecture of the European Union,” said Marko Čadež, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of Eurochambres.
He said that without the region being part of the single market, the EU cannot ensure its economic security, protect its value chains, or effectively prevent third countries from interfering within its borders.
The EU single market was established in 1993 to enable the free flow of goods, services and capital between member states, as well as to allow citizens to travel and work anywhere in the Union. It currently includes all 27 EU member states as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Switzerland has partial access through bilateral agreements with Brussels.
Cooperation at the core
Čadež stressed that cooperation within the region and with the EU is indispensable for businesses and markets moving forward.
“I think that all of the governments now understand that there is no other way than to cooperate. There is no other way than to be a part of the European Union,” he said.
Čadež warned that Europe is lagging behind in technological innovation compared to global players like the United States and China, and he called on policymakers to act faster and deliver what’s needed to stay competitive. “It’s on us to do what it takes to, let’s say, rethink our policies, rethink our regulations.”
Asked what particular strengths the region brings to the table, Čadež highlighted that Serbia was exporting software worth more than 6 billion Euro every year. Adding that a boost in digital skills and technological innovation is what Europe needs, he said “this is only achievable if we work together.” (21 May)
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