The Chemical Industry Council of Europe (CEFIC) annual summit, held for the first time in Belgrade by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS), emphasized that cooperation and innovation are essential to overcoming the common challenges in the chemical industry. The summit focused on a range of issues, from the energy crisis to global competition, facing the chemical sector.
Serbia’s goal, according to PKS Deputy President Mihailo Vesović, is to align its legislation with European standards to integrate further into the EU market ahead of full membership. He emphasized that participation in associations such as CEFIC helps Serbian companies adapt quickly to regulatory and market changes.
Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade, Jagoda Lazarević, reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to European integration, highlighting the strong ties between the domestic economy and the EU through trade and foreign investments. She noted that both Serbia and the EU’s chemical industries face the same challenges, particularly from the growing market shares of China and the USA in this sector. Lazarević stressed that collaboration would lead to the development of an innovative and sustainable model to overcome these challenges.
This year’s CEFIC summit marks the first time the event has been held outside of the EU, a significant achievement for Serbia’s chemical industry and a clear recognition of its alignment with European trends. Dragan Stevanović, secretary of the PKS Association for the Chemical, Rubber, and Non-Metal Industry, noted that while the EU chemical industry is grappling with energy challenges and capacity closures, Serbia’s sector is experiencing growth. He pointed out that the Serbian chemical industry saw an increase of 16.4% in rubber and plastic processing and a 6.8% increase in chemical production last year.
Stevanović also highlighted the potential for Serbian companies to supply the European market, as the country’s chemical industry is export-oriented.
The two-day conference will address current issues and challenges faced by the chemical industry in Serbia, Europe, and globally, including the development potential of the sector and adapting to EU legislation. Special attention will be given to the management of chemicals in light of Serbia’s EU accession, the fertilizer market, and the impact of regulations on Serbian exports.
