The Brussels Green Deal aims to position Europe as the first climate-neutral continent, and Serbia is aligning itself with this vision by embarking on a green transformation, with decarbonizing its industries at the forefront of the effort. While the decarbonization process presents numerous challenges, it also offers development opportunities for Serbian businesses. This was highlighted during the “Climate Dialogue” organized by the German Embassy and the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce.
Serbia is preparing to implement the carbon tax calculations under the Brussels SIBAM mechanism, which will affect products sold in the European Union market. Companies in the energy sector, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises in the metal, cement, and fertilizer industries, will be the first to be impacted. Germany has pledged 200 million euros in aid through various projects to support Serbia’s green transition.
“The cross-border adjustment mechanism for carbon dioxide emissions is one of the EU’s key tools for enhancing the competitiveness of companies and promoting climate-friendly products. It encourages decarbonization,” said Anke Konrad, Germany’s Ambassador to Serbia.
Konrad emphasized that by adapting swiftly, Serbia could improve its trade position and strengthen relations with other global regions. Germany, she confirmed, will continue to support Serbia’s green transition.
Milan Grujić, president of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, noted that the green transition and industrial decarbonization are not merely about environmental protection or addressing global challenges—they also present significant opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth. “This is a roadmap for the future. By turning these challenges into opportunities, we aim to position Serbia as a regional leader in sustainable business.”
Serbian industries are already taking steps to adapt to these new European regulations. Radman Šelmić from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce pointed out that the EU has changed its methodology for calculating the carbon tax, making the cost significantly higher than initially anticipated. As a result, 90 percent of Serbian companies believe that their products exported to the European market will become more expensive.
A noteworthy aspect of the “Climate Dialogue” was the measurement of the event’s carbon footprint. Globally, it has been reported that each participant in a business conference contributes approximately 200 kilograms of carbon dioxide per day. If a participant travels by plane, this emission can reach up to 1,000 kilograms.
