EU-WB6 Business Platform Meeting in Brussels: Strengthening Regional Economic Integration
On March 27, 2025, the WB6 CIF Business Council and the European Commission convened in Brussels for the highly anticipated EU-WB6 Business Platform Meeting. The event, held at the NH Collection Brussels Hotel, provided a unique opportunity for Western Balkans business leaders to engage directly with EU officials, discussing strategies to enhance regional economic integration and facilitate access to the EU Single Market.
The meeting began with a briefing session with Mr. Gert-Jan Koopman, Director General of DG ENEST, where CEOs from the WB6 CIF Business Council shared their insights on investment opportunities and challenges in the region. The discussion set the stage for the main session of the Business Platform Meeting, moderated by Ms. Tatjana Shterjova Dushkovska, Secretary General of WB6 CIF.
During the opening remarks, Mr. Koopman and Mr. Lulzim Rafuna, Chairman of the WB6 CIF Managing Board, reaffirmed their commitment to fostering closer ties between the EU and the Western Balkans, emphasizing the importance of the Growth Plan and the gradual integration of the region into the EU market.
The platform featured an open exchange where representatives of the WB6 Business Council addressed the main challenges faced by regional businesses, particularly in the context of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Key thematic discussions included the trade of goods and services, led by Mr. Mihailo Vesović, where representatives from companies such as Milšped, Agna Group, Mikroelektronika, Bucaj, and Ananas highlighted the barriers and opportunities for boosting trade between WB6 economies and the EU. Investment and access to finance, moderated by Mrs. Nina Drakić, with contributions from Gray International, Philip Morris, and Dott., focused on strategies for improving access to finance for businesses in the region. Green transition and digital transformation, led by Mrs. Ines Mucostepa, featured companies including Lukavac Cement, Tikveš, Kolektor, and Tiki sharing their experiences and strategies for adapting to EU environmental and digitalization standards.
Representatives of the Europan Commission and private sector stakeholders explored investment potential and discussed the future of EU-WB6 economic collaboration. The discussions emphasized the need for a structured dialogue between the EU and WB6 private sectors, particularly in the areas of B2B cooperation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and supply chain integration.
The European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating this engagement through various upcoming initiatives, including upcoming thematic roundtables and a high-level EU-Western Balkans Business and Investment Forum.
Mrs. Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans, concluded the meeting with a strong commitment from both sides to continue the dialogue through WB6 CIF, ensuring that regional businesses have a clear pathway towards greater integration with the EU market. Experts from the European Commission actively participated in the discussions, providing insights and policy recommendations to support the region’s economic development.
WB6 CIF extends its gratitude to all participating companies and institutions for their valuable contributions and remains dedicated to advocating for the interests of businesses in the Western Balkans. We look forward to continuing our collaboration towards a more integrated and competitive regional economy within the EU framework.
