The use of renewable energy, energy transition, and the encouragement of innovation and investment in sustainable technologies are essential initiatives for achieving environmental goals and enhancing the competitiveness of our region.
This was the conclusion of the third regional CORE Days conference, “Responding to ESG Challenges,” organized by NALED with support from the Swedish and German governments in partnership with the Competitive Region Partnership.
The Swedish Embassy in Belgrade, in collaboration with NALED, will work over the next three years to promote supply chain sustainability and alignment with the EU’s environmental, social, and governance standards, making domestic companies more competitive.
“Supply chains often rely on practices that can negatively impact human rights and the environment. The new EU regulations present an opportunity to address existing challenges and promote sustainable policies,” said Anne Charlotte Malm, Head of the Development Cooperation Section at the Swedish Embassy.
British Ambassador to Serbia Edward Ferguson highlighted the importance of the Serbian Government’s decision to adopt an Integrated Energy and Climate Plan, which aims for 45% of electricity to be sourced from renewables by 2030. He also noted that the UK would support the Western Balkans with £15 billion for export financing.
Aligned with sustainable development goals is the fourth edition of the Business-Friendly Certification (BFC SEE) program for municipalities in Southeast Europe, now focusing on digitalization, environmental protection, innovation, and EU integration at the local level, according to NALED.
“A total of 53 local governments from across the region have joined the process, and the BFC program has become a tool for identifying best reform practices. Serbia and Albania, for example, have introduced electronic building permits modeled on North Macedonia, while the region’s economies are adopting Serbia’s online seasonal worker registration solution,” said NALED Executive Director Violeta Jovanović.
To improve and align business conditions in the Western Balkans, NALED established the CORE Partnership in 2022, with the support of German development cooperation and over 20 institutional partners from seven economies. As a platform for dialogue and exchange of best reform solutions, the Partnership implements the BFC SEE certification program and hosts the CORE Days conference, where key topics for the region’s future are discussed annually.