Serbia’s agri-food sector continues to navigate both challenges and opportunities. This week’s roundup covers growing efforts to build more sustainable and resilient supply chains, calls for deeper Western Balkans integration into the EU market, EU-backed circular economy initiatives in the agro-food sector, the spread of African swine fever in the Šabac region and the launch of SEPA payments in Serbia, a development expected to facilitate trade and reduce transaction costs for businesses operating across Europe.
Beeld: unsplash
Western Balkan companies seek greater degree of integration with the EU
Representatives of companies and chambers of commerce from across the Western Balkans called for faster integration into the EU economic area during a meeting at the European Parliament in Brussels, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) announced on June 10.
The discussion brought together representatives of European institutions and business organizations to address barriers affecting trade and investment. According to PKS representatives, companies highlighted challenges related to transport restrictions, border procedures, and administrative burdens that continue to impact regional value chains.The LVVN-team in Belgrade (just like PKS announced earlier) has frequently discussed with the Serbian authorities the challenges related to the issuance of import permits (specifically for meat and dairy products).
Businesses also pointed to growing compliance costs linked to EU regulations, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), new packaging requirements, and deforestation-related rules. Additional concerns were raised regarding transport, food production, waste management, and the use of refuse-derived fuel (RDF).
Participants discussed the implementation of measures under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. European institutions expressed support for continued dialogue, while regional business representatives called for tailored solutions reflecting the region’s strong integration into European value chains and the importance of EU investments in the Western Balkans.
Beeld: Illustration by D.R.
Circularity in the agro-food sector, supported by the EU
As part of the “EU for Circular Economy in Serbia” project, two final workshops were held this week to showcase practical solutions for advancing circular economy principles in Serbia.
The initiative supports Serbia’s transition toward a more resource-efficient, competitive, and sustainable economy aligned with the European Green Deal and the country’s EU accession objectives. By connecting public institutions, businesses, local governments, schools, and civil society organizations, the project aims to translate circular economy principles into concrete actions.
Particular attention has been given to cooperation with five Serbian companies, including agro-food businesses Global Sistem Kooperativa and Ribella Foods. Through technical support and knowledge exchange, these companies are developing circular business models designed to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
The project is also supporting sustainability initiatives in Aranđelovac, Čajetina, Ivanjica, Novi Pazar, and Osečina. An awareness campaign targeting citizens and high-school students will further promote sustainable consumption, waste reduction, and circular economy opportunities.
Beeld: Illustration by D.R.
Full implementation of the SEPA system begins
Serbia has officially launched the operational implementation of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), enabling euro payments to be processed under the same standardized conditions as in all other SEPA member states.
The payment area now includes 41 countries, comprising all 27 EU member states, the European Economic Area countries, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican, Albania, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
Having become the 41st SEPA member in 2025, Serbia can now benefit from faster, simpler, and more cost-effective euro transactions. The system is expected to facilitate cross-border payments, reduce transaction costs, and improve financial connectivity for businesses, institutions, and citizens.
The National Bank of Serbia has coordinated the integration process, ensuring that domestic banks comply with all regulatory, technical, and operational requirements. According to the central bank, SEPA membership represents an important step in Serbia’s European integration process and will enable more efficient participation in European financial and business flows.
The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) team at the Dutch Embassy in Belgrade learned that 18 out of 19 commercial banks are already processing SEPA credit transfers and that these transfers take 1 day (in comparison to the earlier 4-5 days for SWIFT transfers). However, before the actual transfer can be effected, the transfer still has to comply with the Serbian Foreign Exchange Regulations. Furthermore, fees (though lower than under SWIFT) still apply but with distinctive differences between banks.
Beeld: unsplash
Coca-Cola HBC Serbia and Bambi: partnering with suppliers for more sustainable value chains
Building resilient supply chains increasingly depends on closer cooperation between companies and suppliers, supported by data sharing, digital connectivity, and common sustainability goals. These themes were at the center of the joint Green Procurement Day organized by Coca-Cola HBC Serbia and Bambi, which brought together more than 150 suppliers, partners, and industry experts.
Held under the slogan “From Commitment to Impact,” the event highlighted practical approaches to improving supply-chain sustainability. A key discussion focused on regenerative agriculture and its growing role in addressing climate risks, soil degradation, and evolving industry requirements.
Participants emphasized that regenerative farming practices help secure long-term raw material supplies while strengthening business resilience. Sustainability awards were presented to Sekopak, RVM, DTS, Moto-Plast, Lindström, and ITN Group for their contributions to greener value chains.
The event also showcased successful decarbonization initiatives, including plastic reduction measures, advanced packaging solutions, and the transition toward electric-powered logistics. Moto-Plast was recognized for significantly reducing plastic use in secondary packaging for Coca-Cola HBC products.
African swine fever spreading in the Šabac region
African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread in the Šabac region, with the virus confirmed in more than 50 households in the village of Provo and new cases reported in neighboring settlements, according to Radio Television of Serbia (RTS).
Over the past ten days, around 500 pigs have been euthanized in Provo. As there is no cure or vaccine available, all pigs on infected farms must be culled to prevent further transmission. Authorities estimate that one-third of the village’s pig pens are now empty.
The disease has spread beyond Provo to the wider territory of the city of Šabac and the municipality of Ub. Farmers whose animals are properly identified with ear tags are entitled to state compensation. Veterinary authorities continue to urge producers to strictly implement biosecurity measures to limit further outbreaks.
More information
If you would like to know more about Serbia’s agri-food sector and opportunities in areas such as post-harvest handling, cold-chain development, and sustainable production, you can go to the country page of Serbia at this website. You can also send an e-mail to the LAN team at the Dutch Embassy in Belgrade: bel-lvvn@minbuza.nl