The business community must actively engage in the European integration process as it can be the key driver of change through the adoption of European standards and practices. As CCIFS, and through the platform of the Council of European Business Associations and Chambers (CEBAC), we will intensify our cooperation with EU institutions and national bodies in the coming period to provide our members with up-to-date information, training, and support to align with European regulations – Sanja Ivanić
In this interview with Sanja Ivanić, Executive Director of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Serbia (CCIFS), we learn more about the chamber’s current role in Serbia’s EU integration, the organisation of significant events, and the services CCIFS offers to French companies. Ivanić also provides an in-depth explanation of preparations for EXPO 2027, which she sees as a major opportunity for the promotion of French innovations in the regional market.
You recently met with European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, to discuss Serbia’s European perspective. What were the key conclusions of that meeting and how does CCIFS plan to support its members in the context of the current integration processes?
— The meeting with Commissioner Marta Kos was very constructive and confirmed that Serbia’s European perspective remains firmly on the EU agenda. It was stated that there is currently momentum regarding the accession process and that Serbia must seize this opportunity and accelerate reforms. The key conclusion is that the business community must actively engage in the European integration process, as it can be a driver of change through the adoption of European standards and practices. As CCIFS, and through the platform of the Council of European Chambers of Commerce and Associations in Serbia (CEBAC), we will intensify our cooperation with EU institutions and national bodies in the coming period to provide our members with up-to-date information, training, and support to align with European regulations. We will also work on increasing the visibility of successful examples of cooperation between French and Serbian companies that already operate in line with European principles.
In 2024, CCIFS organised several significant events, including the France-Western Balkans Forum and the traditional French Week. Which activities would you highlight as most important for promoting French-Serbian cooperation and what new initiatives can we expect in 2025?
— I would single out the France-Western Balkans Forum as the most strategically important event, as it brought together companies, institutions, and partners from across the region with the aim of strengthening regional connectivity and positioning France as a reliable investor.
The goal of CEBAC is to contribute to creating a more competitive, stable, and predictable business environment for all companies operating in Serbia – whether they are international or domestic. For CCIFS members, this means even stronger support
On the other hand, French Week has a strong cultural and promotional character, further enhancing mutual understanding and trust between France and Serbia. In 2025, we will organise the second edition of the France-Western Balkans Forum, focused on the theme “Adapting to Change: Building Business Resilience”, while in November we will host a new edition of French Week, including traditional events such as Beaujolais Nouveau, and plan to organise a conference on nuclear energy.
As the General Secretary of the newly established CEBAC, you are actively involved in strengthening the European business community in Serbia. What are the main initiatives launched within CEBAC and what contribution do you expect for CCIFS members?
— The 14 chambers and business organisations that make up CEBAC represent over 2,000 companies with European capital, employing more than 120,000 people. When it comes to foreign trade, European countries are Serbia’s most significant partners, both for exports and imports. In this sense, CEBAC is today the most important economic factor in Serbia.
CEBAC is a project I have personally championed since 2014, and I am very pleased that we were finally able to realise it in 2024. Having had the opportunity to be the first General Secretary of the Council and to lay a strong foundation in its first year holds particular professional significance for me.
In just a few months, we have launched the work of sectoral committees, organised several events with over 200 participants each, established a dialogue with key ministries, and become the most important interlocutor for the EU Delegation in Serbia as well as the European Commission.
The goal of CEBAC is to contribute to creating a more competitive, stable, and predictable business environment for all companies operating in Serbia – whether they are international or domestic. For CCIFS members, this means even stronger support, direct influence on business policies, and more opportunities for connecting with the European business community.
CCIFS provides support to French companies wishing to develop their business in Serbia through a range of specialised services. What are the most in-demand services, and how does the chamber help companies successfully enter and position themselves in the market?
— The most sought-after services are market studies, business partner identification, and support during market entry. Our team guides companies through every stage of entry – from initial analysis, market testing, to establishment and expansion. What sets us apart is our approach, which combines local experience with French standards of quality.
EXPO 2027 in Belgrade offers a unique opportunity for the promotion of French companies and innovations. How does CCIFS plan to support its members in preparing for this event and further strengthen their presence in the regional market?
— EXPO 2027 is a great opportunity not only for Serbia but for the entire region, and we see it as a key event for positioning French companies, especially those engaged in sustainable solutions, urban planning, and digitalisation. CCIFS is already working with relevant institutions on the preparation of the French Pavilion and supporting companies wishing to showcase their offerings through national or sectoral presentations. In addition, we are planning special business missions and thematic conferences to accompany the EXPO activities, with a focus on connecting with partners from the Western Balkans region. Together with other French chambers from around the world, we will also organise visits for their members and business meetings during this period.
| EU The meeting with Commissioner Marta Kos was very constructive and confirmed that Serbia’s European perspective remains firmly on the EU agenda | CEBAC The 14 chambers and business organisations that make up CEBAC represent over 2,000 companies with European capital, employing more than 120,000 people | CCIFS Our team guides companies through every stage of entry – from initial analysis, market testing, to establishment and expansion |
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