Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Imports from Serbia to Kosovo doubled to €110 mln in first half of year

According to Serbian Economist, trade between Central Serbia and Kosovo is growing rapidly, with Serbian goods actively returning to the region’s markets. According to the Kosovo Business Alliance, imports from Central Serbia in the first six months of 2025 reached €110.53 million, compared to €50.64 million in the same period of 2024 — an increase of 118%.

An analysis of the sector shows that consumer goods and food products, including non-alcoholic beverages, foodstuffs, as well as construction materials, agricultural machinery, and mineral fertilizers, have risen in price and expanded their market presence. These categories traditionally form the basis of trade between Serbian suppliers and Kosovar consumers.

According to experts, the return of Serbian goods became possible after the easing of import barriers, including the lifting of the total ban and the introduction of post-border controls at the Merdare checkpoint.

Experts note that the restoration of access to convenient logistics and price attractiveness strengthens Central Serbia’s position in the Kosovo market.

The Kosovo Business Alliance, an association of companies trading in the region, analytically monitors trade flows and violations. Since 2023, Kosovo has gradually eased import restrictions on Serbian goods, including through the Merda checkpoint, which has led to a revival of trade.

Imports of Serbian goods are rapidly recovering in the Kosovo and Metohija market, sending not only an economic but also a political signal — a thaw in trade relations.

Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1156

 

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Greek retail chain Super Vero expands presence in Serbia from 2026

Greek retail chain Veropoulos, known in Serbia under the Super Vero brand, has announced that it will continue its expansion in the country with the launch of new locations starting in 2026. The company plans to strengthen its presence after more than 20 years of successful operations.

The company has been present in Serbia since 2001, with the first Super Vero store opening in 2002 in New Belgrade. As of 2017, total investment amounted to €48 million, with 500 employees and 15,000 m² of retail space.

In 2013, Veropoulos invested an additional €20 million in projects to build new stores: at that time, three supermarkets were in operation, a fourth was under construction, and a fifth was being prepared for launch. The total number of employees grew to 650.

Growth plans: 2026 and beyond

• Several new stores are expected to open in 2026, including the Jumbo format. The company is preparing sites in various districts of Belgrade and other cities.

• Super Vero specializes in Georgian and Greek products, household goods, and premium delicacies. Its product range includes fresh vegetables and fruits, seafood, olives, cheese, meat, groceries, and household goods.

Analytical information about Veropoulos

• Country of origin: Greece, parent company — Vero S.A., a family business since the 1970s.

• Investments in Serbia: €68-70 million over more than 20 years of operation.

• Staff: approximately 650 people (as of 2025).

• Store formats: Super Vero (supermarkets), Jumbo (hypermarkets with restaurants); floor space from 2,000 m².

• Product range: focus on high-quality products, a wide range of Greek, natural, and organic products. Fresh baked goods, seafood, and premium products are available.

• Brand strategy: positioned as a family brand that does not seek aggressive expansion but is committed to sustainable growth and development.

Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1147

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US has once again postponed sanctions against Serbia’s NIS

The US Treasury Department has again granted a postponement until July 29 on the application of sanctions against Serbia’s NIS, according to a statement from the company. Energy Minister Dubravka Jedovic-Handanovic, quoted by Serbian media, said that “sanctions against NIS have been officially postponed, as confirmed in writing last night.”

Serbia has previously received several postponements of sanctions against NIS from the US, most recently until June 27.

As reported, on January 10, the US imposed sanctions against two Russian oil companies, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, as well as their subsidiaries. The SDN List also includes Gazprom Neft’s Serbian subsidiary, NIS. The US then postponed the imposition of sanctions against NIS.

At the end of February, Gazprom Neft transferred 5.15% of NIS shares to Gazprom. Gazprom Neft now owns 44.85% of NIS shares, while Gazprom owns 11.3%. Another 29.87% of NIS shares are owned by Serbia, with the remainder held by minority shareholders.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić reported that the US is demanding the complete withdrawal of Russian capital from NIS. He recalled that in 2008, the Serbian government sold control of NIS to Russia’s Gazprom Neft, and over the past years, the Russian company and NIS have contributed to significant revenues for the Serbian budget, as well as the development of many projects.

NIS is the only company in Serbia engaged in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, and it also owns a large oil refinery in the city of Pančevo. The company dominates the Serbian petroleum products market, and the NIS network of gas stations is present in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, and Romania, with a total of more than 400 stations.

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Property taxes in Serbia: what homeowners need to know

Buying real estate in Serbia is not only a profitable investment, but also an obligation to pay annual property tax. All property owners, both Serbian citizens and foreigners, must pay this tax, regardless of whether the property is used or not.

Payment schedule

Property tax in Serbia is paid quarterly:

  • I quarter – by February 14
  • II quarter – by May 15
  • III quarter – by August 14
  • IV quarter – by November 14

Important: in case of late payment, a penalty of 16.5% per annum is charged, and in case of systematic evasion, penalties are possible.

How to pay tax for the first time?

For non-residents of Serbia, the procedure begins with a personal visit to the tax office. Notifications are not sent to foreigners automatically.

You must provide:

  • Purchase agreement
  • Residence permit (if available)
  • Foreigners’ registration number (Ev. broj)

If there are several owners

Documents must be submitted simultaneously by all co-owners. The tax is calculated based on the shares:

  • If the shares are specified in the agreement, the tax is divided proportionally.

If the shares are not specified, the amount is divided equally.

Property tax rates in Serbia (2025)

The tax is calculated based on the estimated value of the property and is divided into several categories:

  • Up to 10 million dinars (~€85,000) – rate of 0.4%.
  • From 10 to 25 million dinars – 40,000 dinars + 0.6% on the amount exceeding 10 million.
  • From 25 to 50 million dinars – 130,000 dinars + 1% on the amount exceeding 25 million dinars.
  • Over 50 million dinars – 380,000 dinars + 2% on the amount exceeding 50 million dinars

Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1036

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Serbia has taken out €50 mln loan from EBRD to improve energy efficiency of heating systems

The State of Serbia has signed an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to receive a loan of €50 million. The funds will be used to modernize centralized heating systems and improve their energy efficiency in various cities across the country.

The project aims to reduce energy consumption and harmful emissions, as well as operating costs for heat supply companies. The authorities emphasize that both institutions and ordinary consumers will feel the benefits.

As noted by Finance Minister Sinisa Mali, the signed agreement confirms Serbia’s strong commitment to the “green transition.” According to him, the project involves the reconstruction of heating substations, replacement of pipelines, installation of automation systems, and in some cases, the transition to environmentally friendly energy sources such as biomass or solar collectors.

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic added that the implementation of the project will ensure stable and high-quality heat supply in winter and will also help reduce dependence on imported energy sources.

The project will be part of a broader program to modernize municipal utilities, which the EBRD has already supported in the past. According to preliminary estimates, the modernization will reduce energy consumption by 25-30% in the upgraded systems.

EBRD representatives said they consider Serbia a key partner in the Balkans and will continue to finance sustainable projects in the energy, transport, and infrastructure sectors.

Source: https://t.me/

 

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Vučić met with Zelensky in Odessa

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić arrived in Odessa to participate in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit. This is his first visit to Ukraine in 12 years in office.

The event, organized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was attended by leaders from 12 countries in the region. After the official talks, Vucic and Zelensky held a private meeting.

During the discussion, they discussed assistance in rebuilding Ukraine after the destruction caused by Russian missile and drone strikes. Vucic also expressed Serbia’s readiness to contribute to the restoration of infrastructure, stressing the importance of restoring regional balance and stability.

Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1065

 

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