As promoters of global sustainability standards, FIC members can help Serbia align its business practices with the highest environmental criteria
In order to accelerate the green transition, Serbia could improve its regulatory framework in the field of environmental protection by strengthening its legislation and aligning it with EU standards, such as the Air Quality Directive and the Industrial Emissions Directive. This harmonisation process involves enacting new laws and/or amending existing ones across various areas, including the circular economy and renewable energy.
To ensure these legislative changes have a real impact, it is necessary to increase institutional capacities. Strengthening the capacities of regulatory bodies, inspection services, and the judiciary will ensure the proper and efficient implementation of both current and new regulations.
Tracking the positive effects of the aforementioned measures requires the development of a modern system for continuous environmental monitoring, as well as regularly reporting to the public on progress in implementing green policies. Additionally, raising environmental awareness through education is crucial and can be achieved by launching campaigns that emphasise the importance of environmental protection and promoting sustainable practices among citizens and businesses.
Raising Environmental Awareness is Key
We, at the FIC, believe that education is essential to raising environmental awareness, through the launching of campaigns about the importance of environmental protection and promoting sustainable practices among both citizens and businesses
FIC member companies, particularly large multinationals, have the capacity to influence the advancement of the green transition significantly. Foreign companies bring new technologies, global standards, and best practices in areas such as corporate governance and environmental protection. Through partnerships with foreign companies, domestic firms can improve their own operations by adopting the advanced technologies and innovative solutions that these companies introduce to the market.
Foreign companies also contribute to the development of the local workforce through the specialised training programmes that they offer their employees. These are the aspects that we at the FIC highlight in particular, as our members, aside from their direct financial contributions, make the greatest impact on the Serbian economy.
In better utilising growth opportunities in line with Expo 2027 and the EU Growth Plan, the business climate can be improved through measures that ease the investment process and provide security for investors. This includes simplifying bureaucracy for obtaining permits through advanced digital systems that streamline these processes; establishing a stable tax policy that offers incentives to investors, especially in strategically important sectors; implementing effective measures to combat corruption and improve transparency in public procurement and business transactions; investing in the modernisation of transport, energy, and digital infrastructure; and enhancing support for SMEs by providing access to favourable loans and subsidies.
Improving these aspects will help Serbia create a more favourable business environment and attract more investments.