EU Opportunities Week 2026 concludes with strong message for MSMEs
The third EU Opportunities Week 2026, held across Belgrade, Kragujevac, and Novi Pazar, concluded with a powerful message: the European Union’s support for Serbia and the Western Balkans is not just financial–it is transformative. Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia and Europe House, in partnership with over 50 national and international organisations, the event brought together citizens, entrepreneurs, and civil society to explore concrete opportunities across four days of thematic sessions.
A Week of Themes and Commitments
Each day of the EU Opportunities Week highlighted a distinct theme:
- Belgrade (April 20): Business and Innovation
- Belgrade (April 21): Culture and Civil Society
- Kragujevac (April 22): Local Development and Green Transition
- Novi Pazar (April 23): Youth, Education, and Sport
The event opened with remarks from Andreas von Beckerath, EU Ambassador to Serbia, who emphasised the EU’s role as Serbia’s largest donor, trade partner, and source of foreign direct investment. He stated:
“EU Opportunities Week is proof that these opportunities are real, here, and meant for you. Every fund, programme, and initiative presented this week exists because the European Union sees Serbia as a future member.”
He also called for stronger commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and fundamental rights, adding:
“Your success is our success. The current moment in Serbia calls for such commitment more urgently than ever, and we stand ready to support Serbia every step of the way.”
Miroslav Gačević, Assistant Minister for European Integration, reinforced the event’s significance, highlighting Serbia’s progress through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). He noted that WBIF has delivered over €1 billion in non-repayable funds and €57 million in technical assistance, with a strong focus on supporting Micro-, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—the backbone of Serbia’s economy.
WBIF’s transformative role in Private Sector support
On the first day, Benedykt Klimowski from European Commission’s DG ENEST delivered a presentation, outlining WBIF’s impact and its three-pillar approach to empowering MSMEs in the Western Balkans.
Since its launch in 2009, WBIF has mobilised €8.4 billion for private sector investments, directly supporting over 600,000 MSMEs and contributing to 1.2 million jobs across the Western Balkans. Klimowski explained that WBIF’s support for MSMEs is built on three pillars:
- Financial Instruments
These repayable funds—such as loans, guarantees, and equity—are channelled through International Financial Institutions (IFIs) like the EIB, EBRD, and KfW, working with local financial intermediaries. MSMEs benefit from lower interest rates, reduced collateral requirements, and longer maturities, making finance more accessible. - Investment Grants
Non-repayable funds that further stimulate investments or provide cash-back incentives to enhance viability. - Technical Assistance
Non-financial support, including advisory services, capacity building, and business planning, ensures MSMEs can effectively use available resources.
Klimowski highlighted that WBIF’s portfolio includes over 30 active programmes, covering priorities such as financial inclusion, green transition, digitalisation, and competitiveness. These programmes target a broad range of MSMEs, including innovative startups, traditional sectors (manufacturing, agribusiness, services, logistics, tourism), women-led MSMEs, young entrepreneurs, and underserved businesses.
How MSMEs can access WBIF support
To engage with WBIF programmes, MSMEs are encouraged to:
- Review the WBIF Private sector booklet to identify active programmes by country.
- Explore the IFIs partners listed on the site for detailed programme information.
- Contact local financial intermediaries—such as banks—to obtain specific requirements and application details.
The EU Opportunities Week 2026 underscored the EU’s commitment to private sector growth, innovation, and sustainable development in Serbia and the Western Balkans. With WBIF’s proven track record and targeted support, the framework continues to be a cornerstone of EU engagement, empowering MSMEs and driving economic progress.
For more details about the Opportunity Week:
https://europa.rs/you-can-do-it-too-eu-opportunities-week-2026-opens-in-serbia/?lang=en
https://www.mei.gov.rs/eng/news/2496/more/w/0/third-eu-opportunities-week-opens-in-belgrade/
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About WBIF and Global Gateway
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) contributes directly to Global Gateway, the EU’s strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport, while strengthening health, education and research systems worldwide. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion worldwide in investments through a Team Europe approach, bringing together the EU, its Member States and financial institutions to leverage investments for a transformational impact.