Prime Minister Babiš held talks in Belgrade on boosting trade, expressing his support for Serbia’s EU membership
Předseda vlády Andrej Babiš a vicepremiér a ministr průmyslu a obchodu Karel Havlíček navštívili ve dnech 22. a 23. července 2026 Srbsko. V Bělehradě se premiér setkal se srbským prezidentem Aleksandarem Vučićem a premiérem Đurem Macutem, se kterými jednal o posílení obchodu a investic, spolupráci ve zdravotnictví a obranném průmyslu či účasti ČR na výstavě EXPO 2027. Premiér Babiš podpořil členství Srbska v EU i jeho zapojení do schengenského prostoru. Předseda vlády také podpořil naše firmy na česko-srbském obchodním fóru.
Prime Minister Babiš thanked Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for the warm welcome and highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries. A key item on the agenda was the strengthening of economic cooperation. The Czech Republic is one of Serbia’s major trading partners and a key investor.
"It’s great to see how well Czech businesses are doing in Serbia. At the Czech-Serbian business forum today, nearly 100 businesspeople from both countries discussed new business opportunities. I am confident that, following today’s meeting, we will also succeed in finalising the sale of eight L-39 Skyfox training aircraft, manufactured by Aero Vodochody, to the Serbian Air Force. We have also offered the Serbian side L-410 aircraft, including financing options. We see great potential here for further developing our business relations. A number of Czech companies are already operating successfully in Serbia and have a strong position there—for example, PPF, Mattoni 1873, AŽD and LINET,” said the Prime Minister. Mutual trade in goods reached 2.3 billion euros last year, growing by almost a fifth year-on-year. Czech exports to Serbia exceeded 1.09 billion euros.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the Czech Republic supports Serbia in its EU accession process. “The Czech Republic supports Serbia’s membership in the European Union. We are convinced that EU enlargement is a strategic investment in the security, stability and prosperity of the entire European continent. I also don’t understand why Serbia is not yet part of the Schengen Area,” said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Babiš also visited the site where EXPO 2027 will be held next year, at which the Czech Republic will be showcasing itself. Belgrade is to host the first specialised EXPO in the Western Balkans. The Czech concept will combine Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda’s journey into space with a showcase of technology, science, education, sport and culture.
