At the esteemed Belgrade Energy Forum 2025, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belgrade, Mr. Branko Zečević, President of Metalfer Group and one of the founding members of the Association of Serbian Energy-Intensive Industries, participated as a panelist in the discussion “Introducing CO2 Pricing in the Western Balkans – Cooperation, Innovation and Competitiveness for Effective Decarbonization.”
In dialogue with representatives of the Energy community and European regulatory bodies, Mr. Zečević underscored the imperative for energy-intensive industries to be actively involved in shaping the policies that directly impact their sustainability, export competitiveness, and long-term viability. He emphasized that the transition to a low-carbon economy cannot succeed without the engagement of the real sector and constructive, forward-looking collaboration with policymakers.
In dialogue with representatives of the Energy community and European regulatory bodies, Mr. Zečević underscored the imperative for energy-intensive industries to be actively involved in shaping the policies that directly impact their sustainability, export competitiveness, and long-term viability. He emphasized that the transition to a low-carbon economy cannot succeed without the engagement of the real sector and constructive, forward-looking collaboration with policymakers.
“This is a defining moment for industry and government to chart a clear and joint course through the regulatory and economic challenges brought on by CBAM and CO2 pricing. It is critical that domestic companies are not left without institutional support while bearing the responsibility—and the investment—of transformation,” Mr. Zečević stated.
He drew particular attention to the need for fair market conditions and protection of domestic production from unfair competition—especially from third countries not subject to equivalent environmental standards. He stressed that Serbia’s national emissions framework must align with EU norms, while being carefully tailored to the realities of its domestic economy through a gradual, pragmatic rollout that preserves the country’s industrial capacity.
“The time is now for an urgent, coordinated dialogue with Serbian regulators—grounded in a shared vision and mutual accountability—to ensure that both industrial resilience and climate goals are achieved,” he concluded.
Metalfer Group’s presence at the Belgrade Energy Forum 2025 was not merely symbolic—it was strategic. As a company that fully grasps both the complexity of industrial transformation and the urgency of Europe’s green agenda, Metalfer positions itself as a bridge between political ambition and industrial reality. In an era that will determine who adapts and who falls behind, our message is unequivocal: Serbia cannot afford to navigate this transition without its industrial base. We call on policymakers to work with us to shape a regulatory framework that not only cushions the shocks of change but unleashes the full potential of domestic industry—for growth, innovation, and long-term positioning within a sustainable European economy.
“The time is now for an urgent, coordinated dialogue with Serbian regulators—grounded in a shared vision and mutual accountability—to ensure that both industrial resilience and climate goals are achieved,” he concluded.
Metalfer Group’s presence at the Belgrade Energy Forum 2025 was not merely symbolic—it was strategic. As a company that fully grasps both the complexity of industrial transformation and the urgency of Europe’s green agenda, Metalfer positions itself as a bridge between political ambition and industrial reality. In an era that will determine who adapts and who falls behind, our message is unequivocal: Serbia cannot afford to navigate this transition without its industrial base. We call on policymakers to work with us to shape a regulatory framework that not only cushions the shocks of change but unleashes the full potential of domestic industry—for growth, innovation, and long-term positioning within a sustainable European economy.
