Serbia targets export growth and economic reform in 2026

Support for exporters and removal of administrative barriers in focus for 2026

President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS), Marko Čadež, said that in 2026 the PKS Center for Economic Initiatives and Rapid Solutions will focus on supporting exporters, cutting administrative barriers, harmonizing certifications, boosting energy efficiency, and tackling the abuse of sick leave.

Since its launch in March, the Center has addressed concrete business challenges in construction and environmental protection, agriculture and the food industry, trade, energy, transport, and the labor market, helping establish a continuous and effective dialogue between the state and the private sector.

“State institutions are now listening to the problems of businesses and responding with concrete solutions,” Čadež said.

During 2025, progress was made in simplifying environmental procedures, improving the waste management legal framework, and launching initiatives to reduce food waste. In the energy sector, cooperation with relevant ministries improved transparency in electricity pricing and billing and expanded access to more favorable supply models for small businesses.

The Center also worked on resolving issues related to import permits, exports of poultry meat and table eggs, and market surpluses in agriculture and trade. Progress was also recorded in construction and urban planning, particularly in the issuance of building and occupancy permits.

In transport and logistics, key challenges—such as Schengen stay limits for drivers, visa regimes, and rising transport costs—were elevated to the highest political level, with European partners included in the discussions.

PKS said activities aimed at resolving concrete business issues will continue, with the next meeting of the Center scheduled for mid-January 2026.

Public consultation on draft animal feed law open until January 5

The Ministry of Agriculture has opened a public consultation on the Draft Law on Animal Feed, running until January 5, 2026, with a roundtable discussion planned.

The proposed law aims to strengthen control across all stages of animal feed production and use, introduce strict hygiene standards, improve traceability, and enhance safety for animals and humans. It also sets clear obligations for producers, importers, distributors, and animal keepers, and introduces rules on labeling and advertising to prevent consumer deception.

The law is seen as key to protecting public health, boosting the competitiveness of domestic producers, and aligning Serbia’s legislation with EU standards under Chapter 12 (Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy) and Cluster 5 (Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion) in the EU accession process.

Serbia to boost wine sector with new rules and incentives

Serbia is set to ramp up investments in its wine and viticulture sector, with new regulations and incentive measures expected by the end of the year, Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamočić announced. Speaking at the Open Balkan Vine vision fair in Belgrade, Glamočić emphasized that the government remains fully committed to supporting winemakers and winegrowers through continued funding, stricter oversight, and more predictable measures.

“Subsidies are delivering results—from new vineyards to stronger wineries—but every dinar must be used as intended. Where there is misuse, there must be accountability,” the minister said.

New regulations for viticulture and wine production are set to clarify criteria and improve control over incentives. Support for winery construction and equipment purchases, inactive since 2022, will return next year, alongside funding for anti-frost systems, hail protection, and modern farm machinery. A €10 million IPARD III public call for fruit production, including vineyards, will open within days. The Ministry also confirmed that pending equipment subsidy applications will be resolved next week, with a new call for equipment to be launched by the end of the month.

Winemakers welcomed the support but stressed the need for a predictable, annual calendar of public calls. Glamočić said transparency will improve with the adoption of the Regulation on the Allocation of Incentives for 2026, which will introduce a formal schedule and a working group composed of ministry officials and industry representatives.

EU backs Serbia’s research excellence at BioSense Institute

EU Ambassador Andreas von Becherat visited the BioSense Institute in Novi Sad, highlighting EU support for Serbia’s research capacities and preparations for EU membership.

"BioSense shows what Serbia can achieve when science, innovation, and European cooperation come together," he said.

Director Vladimir Crnojević thanked the EU for its ongoing support, emphasizing that scientific excellence depends on integrity and freedom, not just funding.

The visit showcased the €28 million Antares project, a Horizon 2020 initiative positioning BioSense as a European Center of Excellence in sustainable agriculture and food safety. The Ambassador also toured the Institute’s state-of-the-art research facility, opened in 2023.

Founded in 2015, BioSense has quickly become Serbia’s leading center for digital agriculture, combining AI, IoT, and biosystems engineering to boost efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.

Serbian sour cherries take center stage at Food ingredients Europe 2025

Serbian frozen sour cherry producers made a strong impact at Food Ingredients Europe 2025 in Paris, securing 164 new B2B contacts and generating USD 3.5 million in potential deals.

Backed by the International Trade Centre (ITC), SIPPO Serbia, SECO, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, eight companies showcased Serbia’s premium sour cherries to European buyers at the national stand.

With a proven export capacity of 30,000 tons annually, Serbia reinforced its reputation as a leading sour cherry supplier. Export support will continue through 2026, strengthening competitiveness in global markets.

The LAN team reminds that from 16–21 May 2026, Novi Sad will host the 93rd International Agricultural Fair, the largest and most influential agricultural fair in the Western Balkans. Attracting up to 300,000 visitors, including officials and agri-industry leaders, the fair provides a key platform for innovation and partnerships. For Dutch Agritech companies, it offers direct access to a rapidly developing agri-food sector seeking modern, sustainable, and efficient solutions — areas where the Netherlands excels globally.

Interested in expanding your business in the Western Balkans? Join the Netherlands’ Orange Pavilion at the Novi Sad Fair to connect directly with regional partners. Let us know — we’d love to have you as part of the Orange Pavilion in 2026! For more information, please contact us at BEL-LVVN@minbuza.nl