Cadez: Brussels discussion with Kos was constructive

BRUSSELS - As a Eurochambres member, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS) President Marko Cadez met with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos in Brussels on Monday to discuss the Western Balkans' challenges on the path to a single market and the EU.

In a statement after the meeting, Cadez said the discussion had been very constructive, addressing important economic issues, especially integration of Western Balkan economies into a single market prior to full-fledged EU membership, the PKS said in a statement.

He explained that the integration encompassed several elements, from joint border management and exchange and harmonisation of customs documents and certificates to other joint activities without which the region cannot become a part of the EU single market.

"We have all that prepared, but what is missing is motivation by various sectors, commissions and customs administrations, as well as the energy and trade sectors, which must demonstrate greater readiness to support the Western Balkans and to tackle challenges facing the region on the EU integration path. That is what we requested support and assistance with, and the commissioner realised why that is important," Cadez said.

Free movement of goods is important not only for the Balkan economies, but for the European industry as well because losses resulting from long border wait times, caused by unharmonised documentation, amount to hundreds of millions of euros a year, he added.

A Eurochambres delegation visiting Brussels, comprised by representatives of the chambers of commerce of EU candidate and potential candidate countries, was led by Eurochambres President Vladimir Dlouhi.