CEFTA Work Programme 2026 Presented: Focus on Practical Solutions for Businesses
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, together with the CEFTA Secretariat and with the support of the WB6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF), hosted the event “CEFTA 2026: Priorities and Work Programme.”
The event brought together representatives of institutions and the private sector for an open and interactive dialogue on key priorities, challenges, and practical needs for improving trade and business conditions across the Western Balkans.
Advancing Regional Trade and EU Integration
Discussions highlighted the importance of reducing administrative procedures, enabling mutual recognition of documentation, removing non-tariff barriers, and aligning regulatory frameworks with European Union standards.
A key message from the event was that CEFTA remains a crucial instrument on the path toward EU accession, strengthening the region’s position as a credible economic partner and an extension of the EU market.
From Commitments to Implementation
Representatives of chambers of commerce emphasized the importance of effective implementation of the Common Regional Market Action Plan, with a strong focus on delivering tangible results for businesses.
They highlighted the need to move beyond formal commitments and ensure that agreed measures are applied in practice. In this context, particular attention was given to establishing clear accountability mechanisms, enabling economies to monitor implementation progress and ensure compliance.
Key Priorities Under CEFTA 2026
From the CEFTA perspective, the priority is to focus on practical solutions that make trade simpler, faster, and more predictable.
Under Albania’s CEFTA Chairmanship in 2026, key priorities include:
- mutual recognition of conformity assessment, electronic signatures, and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status
- further development of Green Lanes and electronic data exchange through SEED+
- introduction of electronic certificates via the CEFTA TRACES NT system
- implementation of the CEFTA e-commerce framework
These measures are designed to reduce waiting times, simplify procedures, avoid duplication, and lower overall costs for businesses.
Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice
Representatives of the business community pointed to a persistent gap between regulatory progress and implementation on the ground.
While frameworks such as AEO are in place, their benefits are not always fully realized due to inconsistent application, limited operational capacity, and procedural inefficiencies. Companies highlighted challenges such as duplication of procedures, inconsistencies in certification processes, and rising operational costs.
Participants stressed the importance of ensuring that reforms are effectively implemented across all levels of administration and deliver measurable benefits for businesses.
Strengthening Digital and Financial Integration
The discussion also highlighted the need to advance digital and financial integration across the region, including:
- wider adoption of instant payments
- progress toward SEPA integration
- improved interoperability of digital systems
- enabling cross-border e-commerce
While improvements have been noted in recent years, further efforts are needed to unlock the full potential of CEFTA mechanisms and ensure that reforms translate into tangible benefits for businesses.
Supporting Business-Oriented Regional Cooperation
The event reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation between institutions and the private sector to ensure that regional initiatives deliver practical and measurable results.
The WB6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) remains committed to supporting efforts that improve trade facilitation, strengthen regional economic integration, and enhance the business environment across the Western Balkans.
