NALED nominates ten reform priorities for the new Government of Serbia
Electronic payment of non-tax charges, the introduction of e-health records, e-sick leave, and the eWallet, regulation of flexible forms of work, digitalization of the legalization process and faster land registry registration, implementation of a deposit system and the CBAM mechanism in line with the EU model, as well as the liberalization of foreign exchange operations—these are the ten key priorities of the new Grey Book, presented by NALED at its 19th Annual Assembly as recommendations to the Government of Serbia to accelerate reforms and modernize the state.
- The previous period was marked by turbulent developments both domestically and internationally, which shifted focus from economic reforms to addressing other issues. We all feel that the reform process has slowed down, and the data confirms it. Compared to the usual 12 recommendations annually, institutions have only partially implemented two from the previous edition—in the energy and agriculture sectors. Work has commenced on another 11, among which we particularly highlight the reform of parafiscal charges, stated Dejan Đokić, President of NALED’s Executive Board and CEO of ASEE.
The new edition of the Grey Book brings 35 recommendations focused on digitalization, with 23 of them awarded the EU badge for contributing to European integration.
- In a time of significant polarization in society and numerous challenges at home and abroad, NALED’s role as an independent association that has existed for nearly two decades remains unchanged: fostering public-private dialogue, offering constructive criticism, advocating for data-driven economic reforms, and promoting digitalization as a path to full transparency, efficiency, and institutional accountability, emphasized Violeta Jovanović, NALED’s Executive Director.
Representing the Government of Serbia, Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović announced further reforms and the continuation of cooperation with NALED in improving regulations:
- Reforms in the energy sector are not only about our ambitions to join the EU, although that is an important part of the reform agenda. These reforms are crucial for our citizens and the economy to ensure we have a stable and sustainable energy sector, with sufficient electricity and gas supplies both now and in the future, as we increasingly shift toward clean energy sources. We see the business sector as a key partner in the energy transition, and I believe dialogue with the private sector is essential to pave the way for easier business operations and investments, said the Minister.
During the Assembly, NALED announced that this year it will place a special focus on gender equality and the economic empowerment of women, stressing that sustainable progress is impossible if half of the potential women is overlooked.
- According to NALED members, our top priority should be higher quality legislation, where gender equality plays an important role. We will supplement our Grey Book with key recommendations for the economic empowerment of women, such as aligning the rights of female entrepreneurs with those of employed mothers. Every reform must pass a test: does it benefit both women and men, and does it ensure equal opportunities, stated Stanka Pejanović, Vice President of NALED’s Managing Board and Director at Triglav International.
In its efforts toward a more equal society, NALED is supported by the British Embassy through the "Strong and Important" project, which promotes women’s entrepreneurship.
- The topic of today’s event women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship is not only a matter of social justice but also a smart move for long-term economic growth. Strengthening the role of women in politics, business, civil society, and media is one of the main priorities of the UK Government. We believe that educated, empowered, and equal women and girls play a vital role in building a fairer and more prosperous society. Through the Strong and Important project, proudly supported by the British Embassy, we jointly promote an inclusive economy where women are the norm, not the exception, stated Edward Ferguson, British Ambassador to Serbia, highlighting the importance of NALED as an independent and expert organization that brings together all stakeholders in society to accelerate reforms.
At the event, NALED also announced the winners of the annual NALED Arrow Award, presented to members of the international community for their contributions to Serbia’s economic development. This year’s recipients are Nataša Radović, Deputy Program Director at the British Embassy in Serbia, and Oliver Scharov, Economic Advisor at the Delegation of the European Union in Serbia.
Special thanks go to our members who supported the organization of NALED’s Assembly the event’s sponsors, British American Tobacco and Coca-Cola HBC, and our partners: the Accreditation Body of Serbia, Atlantic Group, Cetin, the Municipality of Mionica, and MediGroup.
All photos from the event can be found HERE.
