Forum Balkans Occidentaux

France-WESTERN BALKANS business forum

With nearly 18 million inhabitants and a strategic location at the heart of South-Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans represent a rapidly transforming market offering significant opportunities for French companies. The region benefits from sustained economic growth, a skilled and competitive workforce, and strong potential for integration into European value chains. Priority sectors include infrastructure and transport, energy and renewable energies, industry, agri-food, digital technologies, healthcare and services.

Through the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, endowed with €6 billion (2024-2027) – including €2 billion in grants and €4 billion in loans – the region is receiving major support to accelerate reforms, strengthen connectivity with the European Single Market and finance strategic projects. For French companies, these developments create concrete opportunities for partnerships, investment and access to new markets in a region that is set to play an increasingly important role in the European economy.

where: The French SENATE, 15 TER, rue de Vaugirard, 75006 ParIS

when: from 8.15am to 6.00pm

PROGRAM

SECTORAL AND CROSS-SECTORAL ROUND TABLES

8:15am – Registration & Welcome Coffee

Moderated by Arnaud FLEURY, economic journalist

8:45am – Opening speeches

Gérard LARCHER, President of the Senate, French Republic (TBC)
Marta DE CIDRAC, Chair of the France-Western Balkans Interparliamentary Friendship Group, French Republic
Éléonore CAROIT, Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships and French Nationals Abroad (TBC)
Louis MARGUERITTE, CEO, BUSINESS FRANCE
Sophie SIDOS, President of the French Foreign Trade Advisors (TBC)

9:00am – Toward European Integration: Support for Businesses and the Development of Economic Opportunities

Objective: Analyze current economic trends, the status of EU accession, opportunities for French companies, and identify promising sectors

Hoa-Binh ADJEMIAN, Head of Unit, Private Sector Engagement (ENEST.A.3) – European Commission

9:30am – Keynote Address – Macroeconomic Outlook and Business Climate in the Western Balkans

Objective: To present economic trends, the business environment, and market opportunities in the Western Balkans

09:40am – Transport Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity

Objective: highlight major transport and logistics projects transforming the region

Yael SIMONI, Directeur de projet métro Belgrade, ALSTOM

10:20am – Keynote – Building the Healthcare Infrastructure of Tomorrow: The Example of the Podgorica University Hospital

Objective: To highlight, through the project for the future Podgorica University Hospital, the opportunities for French companies in the context of the modernization of Montenegro’s healthcare infrastructure

10:40am – Digital Transformation and Innovation

Objective: explore how the digital transition is reshaping public and private sectors across the Balkans

Nicolas RABRENOVIC, President, LA FRENCH TECH BELGRADE
Marko CADEZ, President, SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

11:20am – Environment, Energy, and the Green Transition

Objective: address climate and energy challenges and the opportunities for green investment

Louis LATOURNERIE, Managing Director, QAIR MONTENEGRO
Dejan MILIC, Managing Director, SIMES INZENJERING

12:00pm – European and International Financing Opportunities

Objective: provide clarity on available funding mechanisms for public and private initiatives

Armel CASTETS, Deputy Director, International Corporate Finance (FININTER), FRENCH TREASURY
Arnaud DAUPHIN, Director – Western Balkans Regional Office, FRENCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Kristina KANAPINSKAITE, Head of the Western Balkans and Turkey Division, EIB
Jelena CEPERKOVIC, Deputy Director, EBRD Serbia

12:40pm – Taking Action in the Western Balkans: What Support Is Available for French Companies?

Objective: Identify the key takeaways from the forum and present the support options available to help expand business operations in the Western Balkans

12:50pm – Official Closing Session

1.00pm/2.00pm – NETWORKING COCKTAIL

2.00pm/6.00pm – B2B MEETINGS WITH EXPERTS

B2B meetings with Western Balkans market experts (within the limit of available seats)

* This program is provided for information only and is subject to change

Free registration