At a recent conference on green transformation and industrial decarbonization, Anke Konrad, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Serbia, announced that Germany would allocate an additional €200 million in investments over the next two years, with a significant portion directed to Serbia’s energy sector. Konrad emphasized the importance of the European Union’s Cross-Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set to be fully implemented by 2026, urging Serbia to prepare for its impact.
She highlighted the potential for Serbia to leverage CBAM as a chance for transformation and innovation, suggesting that a swift adjustment could enhance Serbia’s trade position globally. Konrad reassured that Germany would continue supporting Serbia’s green transformation, which is central to their bilateral cooperation, especially in the energy sector and through projects like the green economy initiative supported by GIZ.
Milan Grujić, President of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, reiterated that sustainability is no longer a luxury but a crucial factor for long-term competitiveness. He stressed that green transformation is not just an environmental necessity but an economic imperative. Grujić explained that CBAM provides a roadmap for Serbia’s future and that the green economy would be a primary driver of growth. He emphasized the importance of sustainability as an investment in resilience, positioning industries for success in the competitive, environmentally-conscious global market.
Grujić also noted that Serbia’s transition toward green transformation is already underway, citing the 2021 Climate Change Act as a legislative foundation. Many Serbian companies are proactively preparing for CBAM compliance, and Grujić sees this as an opportunity for Serbia to position itself as a key player in the green economy, attracting investments and creating jobs in future industries.
Radman Šelmić, adviser to the president of the Communist Party of Serbia, discussed the importance of decarbonization for maintaining Serbia’s competitiveness in the EU market. He pointed out that CBAM could increase the cost of Serbian exports to the EU, but it also presents an opportunity for green transformation, requiring internal investments and changes to business processes to maintain competitiveness.
Experts from Serbia and the EU, including Andrea Hochhuber from the EU Delegation to Serbia, discussed the challenges and potential of adapting to CBAM. Hochhuber emphasized that CBAM is a key tool in the European Green Agenda and urged all stakeholders to understand their obligations and impacts to ensure a sustainable future.
During the panel discussions, Strahinja Lazarević from Elixir Group shared that the company is already implementing a comprehensive decarbonization strategy. The conference highlighted the importance of reducing the carbon footprint in daily activities, with the Embassy of Germany in Serbia and the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce organizing the event to promote dialogue on green transformation and CBAM.
