Half a year after entering the Serbian market, Slovakian investor Across Media Holding has secured a major role in Serbia’s Expo 2027 project through its subsidiaries. Across gained attention by acquiring several companies from Srđan Šaper, a prominent figure in Serbian advertising. This move is part of a broader trend of Czech and Slovak investments in Southeast Europe, focusing heavily on sectors like tourism, real estate, pharmaceuticals, finance and telecommunications, with media being particularly prominent.
Czech investors, led by PPF Group, have made significant inroads in Serbia, highlighted by acquisitions such as Telenor and Yettel (formerly Mobi Banka). Additionally, Czech entities like SEBRE and UDI Group are involved in film studios, real estate, and industrial projects across Serbia. Slovak investments, including Rubikon Shipping’s shipyard in Zrenjanin and Tatravagonka’s railway wagon production, also underscore the region’s economic integration.
Looking forward, Slovakian firm InoBat plans a gigafactory in Serbia for electric vehicle batteries, contingent on developments in the Jadar project. The presence of Czech and Slovak businesses in Serbia has surged, reflecting the Visegrad Group’s robust economies and strategic interest in expanding into nearby markets.
Despite political undercurrents, Bojan Stanić of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce attributes this growth to economic opportunities and labor market dynamics. With over 1,300 companies from the Visegrad countries now operating in Serbia, employing approximately 16,000 people across various sectors, the region’s economic ties are strengthening, suggesting a path towards deeper integration with Central European economies.
