CEFTA has proven to be a key partner in the process of integrating the region into the EU Single Market, said Acting Director of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) Secretariat, Danijela Gačević.
The CEFTA Secretariat participated in the High-Level Conference on Regional Economic Integration, held in Bečići, Montenegro.
The conference, titled “Empower. Integrate. Grow.”, brought together high-ranking officials, representatives of the European Union, business leaders, and regional experts to discuss the progress and challenges of regional economic cooperation, with a focus on the region’s path to integration into the EU Single Market.
Gačević participated in a panel discussion titled “A Step Forward – Supporting Regional Integration and EU Integration”. She emphasized CEFTA’s crucial role in improving trade cooperation, removing trade barriers, and implementing reforms that align the region with EU standards and priorities.
“Our efforts are already delivering tangible benefits for businesses and citizens across the Western Balkans, and today’s discussions have allowed us to reflect on our achievements and define the next steps. Our shared goal is to build a region that is not only connected internally but also aligned with EU standards and ready to seize the opportunities of the Single Market,” said Gačević.
The conference covered key topics of regional economic cooperation through interactive sessions, including the implementation of the New Growth Plan – discussions on priorities and strategies for aligning the Western Balkans with EU standards, enhancing trade integration – showcasing policy reforms and successful examples of trade facilitation, and highlighting regional cooperation – celebrating achievements in building a competitive and sustainable Common Regional Market.
During the event, recently adopted CEFTA agreements were highlighted as key steps in strengthening the Common Regional Market. These agreements, covering areas such as e-commerce, parcel delivery, elimination of geo-blocking, recognition of AEO programs, risk management, and dispute resolution, clearly demonstrate CEFTA’s commitment to opening new opportunities for businesses and citizens across the region.
“Our work is far from over. Full integration into the EU requires continued commitment and innovation. CEFTA remains dedicated to creating an economic environment where businesses thrive, citizens have more opportunities, and the region strengthens its partnership with the European Union,” concluded Gačević.
