The third implementation report on charter for Small Enterprises (SME) concludes that Croatia and Serbia are currently leading. A middle group is led by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It includes Montenegro and Albania whilst Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina remain rather problematic
For the past three years the countries of Western Balkan participate in the Charter for Small Enterprises, which calls on subscribing parties to undertake economic reforms in ten policy areas, such as business support services, increasing access to finance, boosting business advocacy structures and adapting taxation systems for a more business-friendly environment.
"I am impressed by the progress we have reached on creating a business-friendly environment in the Western Balkan countries in only three years time. The European Charter for Small Enterprises has provided a clear structure in developing the economic policy in these countries," said Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen responsible for enterprise and industry policy.
Countries in the region are increasingly interested in good practice, policy advice and technical assistance from EU member states, the EC said in its latest report. All countries have put both policy strategies in place, replacing and renewing legislation/regulation and developing specific technical support mechanisms, the report said.