"One region - One market" - by the joint forces of the countries of the Western Balkans to the goal

On December 21 and 22, a two-day regional conference "One Region - One Market" was held, organized by European Affairs Fund in cooperation with National Alliance for Local Economic Development, Regional Forum of Young Leaders of the Region, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina, with the support of the city of Novi Sad.

As part of the conference, an open session of the Club of Cities and Municipalities with a Friendly Business Environment (BFC Club) in Serbia was held, attended by decision-makers from BFC cities and municipalities that have appropriate capacities and are strategically determined to improve the business environment, attract investments and encourage the development of the local economy. The session was also attended by representatives of certified cities and municipalities from the region, primarily from Montenegro and Republika Srpska (BiH), and the special guest was the Minister for European Integration, Mrs. Tanja Miščević, with whom the participants had the opportunity to discuss EU integration as well as the importance of EU funds for the development of local governments. The aim of the panel was to encourage and initiate a dialogue on challenges and potential solutions and activities that would help local authorities become more involved in the EU accession process and better able to absorb EU funds aimed at socio-economic development.

After the end of the conference, panel participants and guests from the region had the opportunity to participate in a working lunch with the Prime Minister of Serbia, where they had the opportunity to express their opinions and views regarding the implementation of key reforms that will contribute to faster European integration.

BFC Club

The Club of cities and municipalities with the favorable business environment (BFC Club) in Serbia was founded in June 2021 by 25 local self-government units in Serbia that signed a joint Charter, committing themselves as leaders in development to share their experiences, as well as with municipalities lagging in development to boost economic growth. Local self-government units that are holders of the BFC SEE Certificate or are in the process of certification of cities and municipalities with a favourable business environment in Southeast Europe participate in the work of the Club. Mayors and mayors have the opportunity to present local investment potentials through the mechanisms of this unique platform, establish a dialogue with representatives of the state, economy, international organizations and donors, and regionally connect with other local governments.