{"id":11287,"date":"2026-08-05T16:07:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T14:07:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ic-steiermark.at.w02242c6.kasserver.com\/laender\/country-focus-areas\/western-balkans\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T16:42:54","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T15:42:54","slug":"western-balkans","status":"publish","type":"laender","link":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/laender\/country-focus-areas\/western-balkans\/","title":{"rendered":"Western Balkans"},"content":{"rendered":"    <div id=\"standard-header-block_320851612045d7bf4a28cbcb2bf8a067\" class=\"module module-standard-header pt-0 pn-0\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"standard-header-top bg-main\">\n                <nav class=\"breadcrumbs mb-4\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/home\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/home.svg\" alt=\"\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" \/><span class=\"sr-only\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/nav>                <div class=\"d-flex flex-column flex-lg-row justify-content-between align-items-lg-end gap-3\">\n                    <div class=\"standard-header-text\">\n                                                    <h1 class=\"\">Western Balkans: Business Opportunities for Styrian Companies<\/h1>\n                                                                            <div class=\"editor mt-3\"><p>Geographical proximity, established economic relations, EU approximation, and ongoing investments make the Western Balkans an important market and project region for Styrian companies. Opportunities arise particularly in infrastructure, energy, green tech, industry, construction, timber, tourism, and digitalization.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"d-flex flex-wrap gap-2 justify-content-lg-end\">\n                                                    <div class=\"btn flex-shrink-0\">\n                                <a class=\"d-flex\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/laender\/country-focus-areas\/western-balkans\/#kontaktwestbalkan\" target=\"_self\">\n                                    Start Export Consulting                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                                            <div class=\"btn flex-shrink-0\">\n                                <a class=\"d-flex\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/laender\/country-focus-areas\/western-balkans\/#eventswestbalkan\" target=\"_self\">\n                                    Discover Western Balkans Events                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\n                            <div class=\"standard-header-image\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"standard-header-img\" alt=\"Old town of Belgrade\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-950x633.jpeg 950w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-1600x1067.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_167772363-1900x1267.jpeg 1900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/>                <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"standard-header-facts\">\n                    <div class=\"facts-slider row g-0\">\n                                                    <div class=\"col-lg standard-header-fact\">\n                                                                    <p class=\"fact-number\">18 Million Euros<\/p>\n                                                                                                    <p class=\"fact-subline\">Market Potential<\/p>\n                                                                                                    <p class=\"fact-description mt-3\">As an emerging future market, the region offers a young, dynamic population and continuously growing consumer demand.<\/p>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"col-lg standard-header-fact\">\n                                                                    <p class=\"fact-number\">6 Countries<\/p>\n                                                                                                    <p class=\"fact-subline\">Regional Dynamics<\/p>\n                                                                                                    <p class=\"fact-description mt-3\">Close economic ties and progressive EU approximation create an attractive environment for cross-border investments.<\/p>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"col-lg standard-header-fact\">\n                                                                    <p class=\"fact-number\">Top Location<\/p>\n                                                                                                    <p class=\"fact-subline\">Nearshoring<\/p>\n                                                                                                    <p class=\"fact-description mt-3\">Geographical proximity to Central Europe, well-trained skilled workers, and competitive cost structures make the region an ideal partner.<\/p>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"text-image-block_3accc74c234c3a75c68d9ac92e187d55\" class=\"module module-text-image pn-0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n            <div class=\"row justify-content-between g-0 gy-0 gx-lg-4 \">\n                <div class=\"col-lg-6 text-image-media text-image-media--big\">\n                                                                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"text-image-img\" alt=\"Belgrade with the Belgrade Waterfront\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-2048x1364.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-400x266.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-950x633.jpeg 950w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-1200x799.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-1600x1066.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Belgrad_AdobeStock_348944877-1900x1266.jpeg 1900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><span class=\"image-credit\">Buildings on Belgrade Waterfront new chapter in the city of Belgrade, Serbia.<\/span>                                                            <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-lg-6 d-flex flex-column justify-content-between\">\n                    <div class=\"text-image-text-inner gap-5 p-4 d-flex flex-column justify-content-between bg-grey\">\n                        <div>\n                                                    <h2 class=\"mb-3 text-blue\">Close to Styria \u2013 economically closely intertwined yet very diverse<\/h2>\n                                                                            <div class=\"editor mb-4 col-lg-10  bigger-text\"><p>In the EU context, the Western Balkans include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The markets differ significantly in size, industry structure, regulation, and investment dynamics. What they share is close economic integration with the EU and progressive approximation to the European single market.<\/p>\n<p>The EU supports the region with the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Reform and Growth Facility. In 2026, further funds were released for reform progress. At the same time, Austrian trade data shows the region&#8217;s importance: in 2025, Austria exported goods worth approximately 2.3 billion euros to the Western Balkan states. For Styrian companies, this proximity creates starting points for exports, supplies, infrastructure projects, and collaborations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"quote-module-block_0cafcfb9af54fded9e3644159668576f\" class=\"module module-quote-module pn-0\">\r\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\r\n            <div class=\"quote-slider-wrapper position-relative\">\r\n                \r\n                                    <div class=\"quote-slider\">\r\n                                                    <div class=\"quote-slide with-image bigger-quote\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"quote-image\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ICS_Quote_LB.jpg\" alt=\"Leonarda Bregovic, EU Project REUSE2030 at ICS\" \/>\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                                                <div class=\"quote-card \">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"quote-icon mb-2\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/quote.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\r\n                                                                            <div class=\"editor quote-text\"><p>The Western Balkans serve as a sales market, production site, and procurement region for Styrian companies. We support you in finding suitable partners and specifically integrating the differences between individual markets into your strategy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n                                                                                                                <p class=\"person mt-1\">Leonarda Bregovic | Western Balkans Country Expert at ICS<\/p>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                \r\n                            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div id=\"fokus-themen-preview-block_5291ba44b372b2d5bf9c2db53fedcd66\" class=\"module module-fokus-themen-preview pn-0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n            <div class=\"fokus-header bg-grey\">\n                <div class=\"d-flex flex-column flex-lg-row justify-content-between align-items-lg-end gap-4\">\n                    <div class=\"fokus-header-text\">\n                                                    <h2 class=\"mb-2\">Where Business Opportunities Arise<\/h2>\n                                                                            <div class=\"editor size-2\"><p>Current market and event activities highlight particularly relevant opportunity areas:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fokus-slider-wrapper position-relative ps-lg-0 ps-3 mt-3 mt-lg-0\">\n                                            <div class=\"fokus-arrow-track\">\n                            <button type=\"button\" class=\"fokus-arrow fokus-arrow-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/arrow-left-white.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/button>\n                            <button type=\"button\" class=\"fokus-arrow fokus-arrow-next\" aria-label=\"Next\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/arrow-right-white.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/button>\n                        <\/div>\n                    \n                    <div class=\"fokus-slider\">\n                                                    <div class=\"fokus-card\"\n                                                            >\n                                <div class=\"fokus-image\">\n                                                                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech.jpeg\" class=\"fokus-img\" alt=\"Glass globe on moss with sustainability symbols\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech-400x225.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech-800x450.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech-950x534.jpeg 950w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech-1200x675.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech-1600x900.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Green-Tech-1900x1069.jpeg 1900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>                                                                                                        <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"fokus-text\">\n                                                                            <h3 class=\"mb-2\">Green Tech &#038; Energy<\/h3>\n                                                                                                                <p class=\"fokus-text-desc\">Renewable energy, grids, water, environmental technology, energy efficiency, and circular economy.<\/p>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"fokus-card\"\n                                                            >\n                                <div class=\"fokus-image\">\n                                                                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"223\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr.jpeg\" class=\"fokus-img\" alt=\"Highway with digital traffic control\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr-1024x572.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr-768x429.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr-1536x858.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr-400x223.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr-800x447.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr-950x530.jpeg 950w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr-1200x670.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr-1600x893.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Verkehr-1900x1061.jpeg 1900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>                                                                                                        <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"fokus-text\">\n                                                                            <h3 class=\"mb-2\">Infrastructure &#038; Construction<\/h3>\n                                                                                                                <p class=\"fokus-text-desc\">Road and rail projects, municipal infrastructure, construction, building technology, and smart city solutions.<\/p>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"fokus-card\"\n                                                            >\n                                <div class=\"fokus-image\">\n                                                                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food.jpeg\" class=\"fokus-img\" alt=\"Fruits and Vegetables \u2013 Food\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food.jpeg 1275w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-199x300.jpeg 199w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-680x1024.jpeg 680w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-768x1157.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-1020x1536.jpeg 1020w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-400x602.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-800x1205.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-950x1431.jpeg 950w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Food-1200x1807.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>                                                                                                        <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"fokus-text\">\n                                                                            <h3 class=\"mb-2\">Food &#038; Health<\/h3>\n                                                                                                                <p class=\"fokus-text-desc\">Food, dietary supplements, health sector, and regulated consumer goods with local approval.<\/p>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                                                    <div class=\"fokus-card\"\n                                                            >\n                                <div class=\"fokus-image\">\n                                                                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"fokus-img\" alt=\"Hotel reception with employee \u2013 Tourism\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-950x633.jpeg 950w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-1600x1067.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_34708470-1900x1267.jpeg 1900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>                                                                                                        <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"fokus-text\">\n                                                                            <h3 class=\"mb-2\">Tourism &#038; Skilled Workers<\/h3>\n                                                                                                                <p class=\"fokus-text-desc\">Tourism infrastructure, ski &#038; spa, hospitality technologies, and specialized services.<\/p>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"text-image-block_455ce33a1a3ce4b094dafa108b918727\" class=\"module module-text-image pn-0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n            <div class=\"row justify-content-between g-0 gy-0 gx-lg-4 flex-lg-row-reverse\">\n                <div class=\"col-lg-6 text-image-media text-image-media--big\">\n                                                                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o.jpg\" class=\"text-image-img\" alt=\"Consultation at the ICS REUSE2030 stand\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o.jpg 2362w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-950x633.jpg 950w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/55356618255_08a93bb67c_o-1900x1267.jpg 1900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/>                                                            <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-lg-6 d-flex flex-column justify-content-between\">\n                    <div class=\"text-image-text-inner gap-5 p-4 d-flex flex-column justify-content-between bg-grey\">\n                        <div>\n                                                    <h2 class=\"mb-3 text-blue\">Market Entry in the Western Balkans: Choose Country and Project Logic First<\/h2>\n                                                                            <div class=\"editor mb-4 col-lg-10  bigger-text\"><p>Companies should not treat the Western Balkans as a uniform sales region. Serbia may be relevant as a larger production and business hub, while North Macedonia might prioritize infrastructure and green energy, Albania tourism, infrastructure, and renewable energy, or Montenegro investments in energy, environment, and tourism. Prioritization depends on one&#8217;s own offerings and the specific project pipeline.<\/p>\n<p>EU approximation gradually brings more regulatory convergence, yet national rules, procurement practices, registration, taxes, and business culture remain country-specific. For public projects, companies should also clarify early on how tenders, financing, local partners, and reference requirements interact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"facts-block_2e8552812e7d0659a828c5c34278c495\" class=\"module module-facts pn-0\">\r\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\r\n            <div class=\"row g-0\">\r\n                <div class=\"col-lg-3 facts-intro bg-dark d-flex flex-column justify-content-end\">\r\n                                            <h2 class=\"mb-4\">How ICS supports your entry into the Western Balkans<\/h2>\r\n                                                                <div class=\"btn white\">\r\n                            <a class=\"d-flex\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/laender\/country-focus-areas\/western-balkans\/#kontaktwestbalkan\" target=\"_self\">\r\n                                Discuss your Western Balkans project!                            <\/a>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n                                    <div class=\"col-lg-9 facts-col p-0\">\r\n                        <div class=\"facts-slider row g-0\">\r\n                                                            <div class=\"col-lg-6 fact-item\">\r\n                                                                            <p class=\"fact-number\">1. Assess the market<\/p>\r\n                                                                                                                                                    <p class=\"fact-description mt-3\">We help you evaluate opportunities, industry potential, and current developments for your company.<\/p>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                                                            <div class=\"col-lg-6 fact-item\">\r\n                                                                            <p class=\"fact-number\">2. Build knowledge<\/p>\r\n                                                                                                                                                    <p class=\"fact-description mt-3\">Workshops, country-specific formats, and the Export Academy provide practical knowledge on business culture, market entry, and regulatory conditions.<\/p>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                                                            <div class=\"col-lg-6 fact-item\">\r\n                                                                            <p class=\"fact-number\">3. Develop contacts<\/p>\r\n                                                                                                                                                    <p class=\"fact-description mt-3\">Through our network and local partners, we open doors to relevant contacts and business connections.<\/p>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                                                            <div class=\"col-lg-6 fact-item\">\r\n                                                                            <p class=\"fact-number\">4. Assess the market on-site<\/p>\r\n                                                                                                                                                    <p class=\"fact-description mt-3\">Trade missions and B2B formats provide direct insights, discussions, and a realistic assessment of concrete market opportunities.<\/p>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                                                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div id=\"eventswestbalkan\" class=\"anchor\"><\/div>\n    <div id=\"events-preview-block_b0172d2d30e1dd07852a451ae8c663b3\" class=\"module module-events-preview pn-0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n                            <div class=\"events-preview-headline-bar bg-main d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center flex-wrap gap-4\">\n                                            <h2 class=\"mb-0\">Events on the region<\/h2>\n                                                                <div class=\"btn \">\n                            <a class=\"d-flex\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/events\/?location=westbalkan\" target=\"_self\">\n                                View all Western Balkans events                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"events-preview-grid row g-0\">\n                                            <div class=\"col-lg-3 events-preview-card-col\">\n                            <a class=\"events-preview-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/events\/call-for-innovations-showcase-your-innovation-at-expo-2027-belgrade\/\" target=\"_self\">\n                                <h3 class=\"events-preview-title mb-2 is-external\">Call for Innovations: Showcase Your Innovation at EXPO 2027 Belgrade<\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"events-preview-meta d-flex flex-column gap-1\">\n                                                                                                                        <span class=\"events-info-item\">\n                                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/calendar.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                                29. November 2026                                            <\/span>\n                                                                                                                                                                                                <span class=\"events-info-item\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/laptop.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                            Online                                        <\/span>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/arrow-right.svg\" class=\"events-preview-arrow\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-lg-3 events-preview-card-col\">\n                            <a class=\"events-preview-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/events\/energy-supply-systems-of-the-future\/\" target=\"_self\">\n                                <h3 class=\"events-preview-title mb-2 is-external\">Energy Supply Systems of the Future<\/h3>\n                                <div class=\"events-preview-meta d-flex flex-column gap-1\">\n                                                                                                                        <span class=\"events-info-item\">\n                                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/calendar.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                                02. December 2026                                            <\/span>\n                                                                                                                                                                                                <span class=\"events-info-item\">\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/location.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                            Zagreb, Kroatien                                        <\/span>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/arrow-right.svg\" class=\"events-preview-arrow\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n        <div id=\"news-preview-block_18e5fdb3ceb3ea6553ec53339e9737c1\" class=\"module module-news-preview module-more-posts pn-0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n                            <div class=\"more-posts-headline-bar bg-main d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center flex-wrap gap-4\">\n                                            <h2 class=\"mb-0\">News &amp; insights from the region<\/h2>\n                                                        <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"more-posts-grid row g-0\">\n                                            <div class=\"col-lg-6 more-posts-card-col\">\n                            <a class=\"more-posts-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/styria-cooperates-with-montenegro\/\">\n                                <div class=\"more-posts-image\">\n                                                                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-scaled.jpg\" class=\"more-posts-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-950x633.jpg 950w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00004-1900x1267.jpg 1900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>                                                                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"more-posts-text\">\n                                    <p class=\"more-posts-meta\">\n                                        <span class=\"more-posts-date\">22. June 2026<\/span> <span class=\"more-posts-divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span> Latest News <span class=\"more-posts-divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span> Montenegro                                    <\/p>\n                                    <div class=\"more-posts-bottom mt-2\">\n                                        <h3 class=\"more-posts-title\">Styria cooperates with Montenegro<\/h3>\n                                                                                    <p class=\"more-posts-desc mt-2\">Led by Deputy Governor Manuela Khom and accompanied by Herbert Ritter, Vice President of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO Styria), a high-level Styrian delegation from politics, business, science and education visited Montenegro. Those represented included, among others, the Internationalisation Center Styria, the two cluster organisations Green Tech Valley and the Wood Cluster Styria, as well as companies and educational institutions.<\/p>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/arrow-right.svg\" class=\"more-posts-arrow\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-lg-6 more-posts-card-col\">\n                            <a class=\"more-posts-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/road-to-expo2027-belgrade\/\">\n                                <div class=\"more-posts-image\">\n                                                                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/expxo2027-belgrad_ics-sujet.jpg\" class=\"more-posts-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/expxo2027-belgrad_ics-sujet.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/expxo2027-belgrad_ics-sujet-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/expxo2027-belgrad_ics-sujet-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/expxo2027-belgrad_ics-sujet-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/expxo2027-belgrad_ics-sujet-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/expxo2027-belgrad_ics-sujet-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/expxo2027-belgrad_ics-sujet-950x633.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>                                                                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"more-posts-text\">\n                                    <p class=\"more-posts-meta\">\n                                        <span class=\"more-posts-date\">14. January 2026<\/span> <span class=\"more-posts-divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span> Latest News <span class=\"more-posts-divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span> Serbia                                    <\/p>\n                                    <div class=\"more-posts-bottom mt-2\">\n                                        <h3 class=\"more-posts-title\">Road to Expo2027 Belgrade<\/h3>\n                                                                                    <p class=\"more-posts-desc mt-2\">EXPO 2027 Belgrade brings Serbia and the entire Western Balkans into the international spotlight, opening up new economic perspectives for Austria. As an important partner in the region, Austria particularly benefits from strengthened bilateral relations, new investment impulses, and increased visibility of Austrian expertise in innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability.<\/p>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/arrow-right.svg\" class=\"more-posts-arrow\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"success-stories-preview-block_c6187248927770eb881cb415c41666a8\" class=\"module module-success-stories-preview pn-0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n                            <div class=\"success-stories-headline-bar bg-dark d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center flex-wrap gap-4\">\n                                            <h2 class=\"mb-0\">Success stories from the region<\/h2>\n                                                                <div class=\"btn white\">\n                            <a class=\"d-flex\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news-insights\/success-stories\/\" target=\"_self\">\n                                Discover all success stories                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"success-stories-wrapper position-relative mt-lg-0 mt-4\">\n                    \n                    <div class=\"success-stories-slider\">\n                                                    <div class=\"success-stories-slide-wrap\">\n                                <a class=\"success-stories-slide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/success_stories\/sustainable-insulated-packaging-made-from-waste-paper\/\">\n                                    <div class=\"success-stories-image\">\n                                                                                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"950\" height=\"838\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939.jpg\" class=\"success-stories-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939.jpg 2124w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-300x265.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-1024x903.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-768x677.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-1536x1354.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-2048x1806.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-400x353.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-800x705.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-950x838.jpg 950w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-1200x1058.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-1600x1411.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20231004_123552-e1727094213939-1900x1675.jpg 1900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/>                                                                            <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"success-stories-text bg-grey justify-content-lg-between\">\n                                        <div>\n                                            <p class=\"success-stories-meta\">\n                                                Croatia <span class=\"success-stories-divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span> Slovenia <span class=\"success-stories-divider\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span> Success Story                                            <\/p>\n                                                                                            <p class=\"success-stories-preview-text mt-4\">Sustainable insulated packaging and new partnership for Croatia and Slovenia.<\/p>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                        <div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"success-stories-quote mt-4\">&quot;Thanks to the services of the Enterprise Europe Network and AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA, we were able to gain insights and concrete contacts in 8 European markets within a single day at the Marketplace for Food and Beverages \u2013 the kind of one-stop shop you hope for.&quot;<\/div>\n                                                                                                                            <p class=\"success-stories-person mt-2\">Fabian Gems, Founder &amp; CEO, SUPASO<\/p>\n                                                                                <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"kontaktwestbalkan\" class=\"anchor\"><\/div>\n    <div id=\"contact-person-block_8cab7acf1060db005860323a1f04077f\" class=\"module module-contact-person pn-0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n            <div class=\"row g-0 gy-4 gx-lg-4\">\n                <div class=\"col-lg-6\">\n                    <div class=\"contact-person-text bg-dark max-height\">\n                                                    <h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-4\">Competent Advice \u2013 \u2028Direct and Simple<\/h2>\n                                                                            <div class=\"editor\"><p>Our expert provides reliable advice \u2028on all questions concerning the Western Balkans<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                                    <div class=\"col-lg-6\">\n                        <div class=\"bg-grey contact-person-grid contact-person-grid--stacked contact-person-grid--single row g-0\">\n                                                            <div class=\"col-12 contact-person-card\">\n                                    <div class=\"contact-person-photo\">\n                                                                                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-scaled.jpg\" class=\"contact-person-img\" alt=\"Leonarda Bregovic, ICS\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-950x950.jpg 950w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-1600x1600.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LB_2025-12_hp-1900x1900.jpg 1900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>                                                                            <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"contact-person-info\">\n                                                                                    <p class=\"size-2 text-main fw-bold\">Leonarda Bregovic<\/p>\n                                                                                                                            <p class=\"team-position text-main\">Junior Project Management<\/p>\n                                                                                <div class=\"team-contact d-flex flex-column mt-1\">\n                                                                                            <a href=\"tel:+43%20316%20601%20258\">T +43 316 601 258<\/a>\n                                                                                                                                        <a href=\"tel:+43%20664%20837%2090%2066\">M: +43 664 837 90 66<\/a>\n                                                                                                                                        <a href=\"mailto:leonarda.bregovic@ic-steiermark.at\">E leonarda.bregovic@ic-steiermark.at<\/a>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                                                    <a class=\"contact-person-linkedin mt-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/leonarda-bregovic\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"LinkedIn\">\n                                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/linkedin-dark.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71\" class=\"module module-faq pn-0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n                            <div class=\"faq-headline bg-main\">\n                    <h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n                <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"faq-list\">\n                                            <div class=\"faq-item\">\n                            <h3 class=\"faq-question-wrap\">\n                                <button type=\"button\" class=\"faq-question\" id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-question-0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-answer-0\">\n                                    <span class=\"faq-question-text\">Which countries belong to the Western Balkans?<\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n                                <\/button>\n                            <\/h3>\n                            <div class=\"faq-answer editor\" id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-answer-0\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-question-0\">\n                                <p>In the EU context, the Western Balkans comprise Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. For companies, it is important not to treat this region as a single market, but to examine opportunities and conditions per country.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"faq-item\">\n                            <h3 class=\"faq-question-wrap\">\n                                <button type=\"button\" class=\"faq-question\" id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-question-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-answer-1\">\n                                    <span class=\"faq-question-text\">What business opportunities does the Western Balkans offer for Styrian companies?<\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n                                <\/button>\n                            <\/h3>\n                            <div class=\"faq-answer editor\" id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-answer-1\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-question-1\">\n                                <p>Particularly relevant are infrastructure and construction, energy and green tech, industry and mechanical engineering, timber and materials, tourism, and selected food and health segments. Opportunities often arise through investment projects, modernization, and gradual alignment with EU standards.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"faq-item\">\n                            <h3 class=\"faq-question-wrap\">\n                                <button type=\"button\" class=\"faq-question\" id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-question-2\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-answer-2\">\n                                    <span class=\"faq-question-text\">How do I find business partners in the Western Balkans?<\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n                                <\/button>\n                            <\/h3>\n                            <div class=\"faq-answer editor\" id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-answer-2\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-question-2\">\n                                <p>Personal networks, local market partners, and qualified B2B contacts are particularly valuable. ICS supports the identification and preparation of relevant contacts through business missions, cooperation platforms, events, and the AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA network.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"faq-item\">\n                            <h3 class=\"faq-question-wrap\">\n                                <button type=\"button\" class=\"faq-question\" id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-question-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-answer-3\">\n                                    <span class=\"faq-question-text\">What role does EU approximation play for companies?<\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n                                <\/button>\n                            <\/h3>\n                            <div class=\"faq-answer editor\" id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-answer-3\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-question-3\">\n                                <p>EU integration promotes reforms, investments, and gradual alignment with EU standards. Nevertheless, national rules and implementation practices remain different. Companies should therefore combine opportunities from EU-funded or public projects with country-specific regulatory review.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"faq-item\">\n                            <h3 class=\"faq-question-wrap\">\n                                <button type=\"button\" class=\"faq-question\" id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-question-4\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-answer-4\">\n                                    <span class=\"faq-question-text\">Where can Styrian companies get advice on the Western Balkans?<\/span>\n                                    <span class=\"faq-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n                                <\/button>\n                            <\/h3>\n                            <div class=\"faq-answer editor\" id=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-answer-4\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-block_8960bcc2bc32d1e8d91f7426272aaf71-question-4\">\n                                <p>The ICS Internationalization Center Styria supports Styrian companies in market entry and expansion in the region \u2013 with market information, consulting, networking, project and B2B formats, and business missions.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":9458,"menu_order":4,"template":"","class_list":["post-11287","laender","type-laender","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Western Balkans: Export, Business Opportunities &amp; Market Entry | ICS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Evaluate the 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