Ahoy Pirats — Sailing Through Bureaucratic Seas

In the grand theater of global finance, where the giants of stock exchanges dominate headlines, it’s crucial to redirect our attention towards the quieter but equally impactful players: medium-sized and smaller enterprises. These unsung champions, often obscured by the dazzle of public markets, represent the heartbeat of economies, embodying resilience, innovation, and untapped potential.

In the intricate “dance” of international commerce, navigating bureaucracy often feels akin to sailing through stormy seas. Hostility to technology, lack of service spirit, so-called woke stupidity, political conformity, and lack of will to shape the mentally weakened generation of entrepreneurs and political representatives — all of these are features of reality in Germany, France, Belgium and other countries of the European Union.

For Serbian businesses, this journey is not just a matter of paperwork (although as a result of digitalization there is little paper left), but a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of their nation. As European companies seek refuge from bureaucratic quagmires, Serbia emerges as a beacon of opportunity and camaraderie, offering not just a market, but a home away from home.

In the bustling streets of Belgrade, European companies find themselves entangled in the labyrinth of typical serbian business rules, fast, efficient, meekness, friendly, that define the modern business landscape. Yet, amidst the chaos, they discover a sense of kinship with their Serbian counterparts, who navigate the bureaucratic seas with a mix of pragmatism and good humor. In Serbia, bureaucracy is not just a hurdle to overcome, but a shared experience that fosters camaraderie and solidarity among businesses.

Here, however, the government has no intention of destroying its own economy and leaving it defenseless to its big brother, Russia. On the contrary, Serbia maintain close contacts with both the European Union and traditional ally Russia. President Aleksandar Vucic has clearly communicated this self-image of neutrality on several occasions. Apparently the unelected bureaucrats in Brussels and Berlin have poor hearing. Serbia is increasingly becoming a port for European ships in distress . And intestations need a stable state, a stable government and stable structures. This is one of the reasons why he was re-elected with an overwhelming majority a few weeks ago.

As European companies delve deeper into the Serbian market, they are met with a warm welcome and a genuine eagerness to collaborate. From the halls of government offices to the bustling markets of Novi Sad, they find a nation poised for growth and eager to embrace new opportunities. Despite the challenges of navigating the Serbian bureaucracy, they discover a sense of resilience and resourcefulness that defines the Serbian entrepreneurial spirit. Yeah, thats Serbia.

With each stamp of approval and signature of endorsement, European companies forge lasting partnerships and build a foundation for success in Serbia. The bureaucratic hurdles they once feared become opportunities for growth and innovation, as they navigate the landscape with determination and a sense of adventure. In Serbia, they find not just a market for their products, but a community that welcomes them with open arms and embraces their contributions to the nation’s economy. It is this environment that has made Belgrade (along with Tel Aviv) the new hot spot for innovative companies from all over the world to settle.

As they settle into their new home in Serbia, European companies reflect on their journey with gratitude and optimism. The bureaucratic seas they once feared have become a source of strength and resilience, shaping their identity as part of the vibrant Serbian business community. And as they look to the future with excitement and anticipation, they know that their partnership with Serbia is just beginning, with endless opportunities on the horizon.

I know many examples of successful company moves to Serbia. Absolutely no one regrets this step to new horizons. I am now friends with many of these entrepreneurs. The challenge of learning the Serbian language for many entrepreneurs is also acceptable, even if it feels like the whole of Serbia speaks English. Anyone who goes to a “kafana” once a week will also speak Serbian after 12 months.

In Serbia, European companies find not just a market, but a sense of belonging and a spirit of camaraderie that transcends borders and cultures. And as they continue their journey of growth and prosperity, they do so with the knowledge that Serbia will always be their home away from home.

The original article was published on Febr 29, 2024 in the US Business Magazine “Investor’s Handbook”