For Austrian companies Serbia is geographically close and economically different. That closeness tempts them to treat the market like another EU neighbour — a mistake that regularly makes projects more expensive and slower than planned.
Serbia is a candidate for accession, but not a member of the European Union. Movement of goods, standards, residence law and employment law therefore follow their own rules. At the same time, the legal framework is gradually aligning with European standards in many areas — which means that today’s conditions need not be those of the day after tomorrow.
Those who allow for this will find a market with qualified specialists, competitive cost structures and a considerable need for modernisation in infrastructure, energy and industry.