At the 2025 Kopaonik Business Forum, Marko Čadež, president of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, proposed a groundbreaking idea for the Western Balkans: the creation of a regional advisory council to foster economic cooperation and integration.
This council would serve as a dynamic body, facilitating rapid implementation of policies and agreements to streamline trade, infrastructure, and workforce mobility.
Čadež emphasized the urgency of a unified market, arguing that it would not only accelerate the region’s economic development but also offer a faster path to EU integration.
The plan, which involves regional leaders working together, would provide Brussels with a clear roadmap for the next two years, leading to the region’s inclusion in the EU’s single market ahead of full membership.
Despite the challenges, Čadež highlighted improvements in border procedures and cross-border cooperation, while acknowledging the persistent issue of delays at EU borders.
As leaders across the region stress the need for investment in infrastructure, education, and digitalization, Čadež’s vision points to a more cooperative future where the Western Balkans competes as a united force on the global stage.
