CEBAC - Council of European Business Associations and Chambers

About CEBAC

Building a stronger European business voice in Serbia since 2024

Who we are

The Council of European Business Associations and Chambers in Serbia (CEBAC) was established on 14 May 2024 with the signing of a founding memorandum in Belgrade, attended by European Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Várhelyi and ambassadors from across Europe. The ceremony marked the beginning of a new era of coordinated European business representation in Serbia. CEBAC serves as a structured platform for policy dialogue, exchange of best practices, and collective advocacy on issues that affect the business environment, European investment, and the implementation of EU standards in Serbia. At its core, CEBAC works to improve the legal, institutional, and competitive framework so that all businesses — local and international — can thrive.

Structure and governance

CEBAC operates through a Council composed of its member organisations, each represented at director or secretary-general level. The Council meets regularly to set strategic priorities, review committee outputs, and coordinate positions toward Serbian authorities, EU institutions, and international financial institutions. The General Secretariat rotates on an annual mandate. Since July 2025, the role of General Secretariat has been held by Confindustria Serbia.

Our Story

The Council of European Business Associations and Chambers in Serbia was established on May 14, 2024, when representatives of 13 European bilateral business chambers in Belgrade signed a memorandum of cooperation. This historic step created a unified platform for the European business community to engage with Serbian institutions, advocate for economic reform, and support Serbia's EU accession process.

May 2024

Founding of CEBAC

On May 14, 2024, representatives of 13 European bilateral business chambers gathered in Belgrade to sign the founding memorandum of CEBAC, establishing a unified council to represent the European business community in Serbia.

Summer 2024

First Networking Events

CEBAC organized its inaugural networking events, bringing together members of all 13 chambers for the first time under a shared platform to foster cross-chamber collaboration.

Autumn 2024

ESG Committee Launch

Recognizing the importance of sustainability, CEBAC launched its ESG Committee with a focus on CBAM compliance and environmental reporting, providing crucial guidance to member companies.

Q1 2025

Strategic Partnerships

CEBAC strengthened ties with the EU Delegation to Serbia, the Serbian government, and international institutions, positioning itself as a key partner in the economic dialogue.

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To consolidate the voices and resources of European business organisations operating in Serbia, and to serve as an effective and credible advocate for a transparent, competitive, and EU-aligned business environment.

Our Vision

A Serbia fully integrated into the European economic space, where European companies operate within a predictable, fair, and modern regulatory framework — driving mutual prosperity and sustainable growth for both Serbia and the European Union.

Leadership

Silvija Rakić

Silvija Rakić

Secretary General, CEBAC · Vice-Director, Confindustria Serbia

Silvija Rakić assumed the role of Secretary General of CEBAC in July 2025, when Confindustria Serbia took on the General Secretariat mandate. She also serves as Vice-Director and Head of the Services Sector at Confindustria Serbia. Under her leadership, CEBAC has continued to expand its policy engagement and public impact, including the landmark Serbia Investment Compass conference held in December 2025.

info@cebac.rs