Bregu: Support for regional cooperation among Western Balkan businessmen has increased to 74%, from 69% last year

2023-07-25 16:35:00, Aktualitet CNA

Bregu: Support for regional cooperation among Western Balkan businessmen has

Last week, the Regional Cooperation Council published the results of the Balkan Barometer 2023, Public Opinion. To complete the overview of the opinions of our region, on regional cooperation, EU integration, trust in public institutions and the media, their biggest concerns, employment, climate change, security, digital life, transport, rule of law, travel, etc., the Opinion of the Western Balkan Business Community is now available https://www.rcc.int/balkanbarometer/.

"When asked to rate the factors influencing the growth of their business, Western Balkan businessmen put macroeconomic instability at the top of the list, followed by labor availability, brain drain plus political or social instability. Support from businesses for EU membership has increased by 11% and is now at 71%, reaching the highest historical level since the beginning of the Balkan Barometer in 2015. Support for regional cooperation among businessmen has increased from 69% last year to 74% this year, as it is perceived as important for their business", said RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregau.

5 main results of the Balkan Barometer 2023, Business Opinion:

- The businesses of the Western Balkans see the situation slightly more favorable than a year ago, as their satisfaction index increased by 5 points, reaching 58.

- However, 77% say their labor and other costs have increased by more than 25% over the past four years.

- Only a third (33%) of businesses in the region expect an improvement in their economic situation in the coming year.

- Only 13% use mainly renewable energy and 37% have not taken any steps to reduce the environmental impact of their businesses.

- Most of them (56%) expect great benefits from traveling with just one ID card within the region.

"The red alert is that 70% of businesses do not see climate change as a significant concern for their business environment. Yes, in the Balkans, this may not yet sound like an emergency, and unlike a disease, it is not directly perceptible to our senses. But, this is quite alarming. From pollution, rising insurance costs, agriculture, wine, energy, freight to reduced availability of food and water, all are affected by climate change. Almost all industries are threatened by the effects of climate change, directly or indirectly. But there is also good news. Half of regional businesses said they have experienced direct benefits from the Regional Roaming Agreement. These findings may not be to everyone's liking. But whatever the Balkans,