The Karpatski ekonomski forum, held in Bukovel, Ukraine, has emerged as a significant platform for fostering regional cooperation and opening new business opportunities for Serbian enterprises. The event, which took place on September 18 and 19, 2026, was part of the inaugural summit of the “Carpathian Eight” (C8), a new regional format aimed at enhancing economic collaboration among Central and Eastern European countries. The forum focused on critical sectors such as energy, infrastructure, industry, and logistics.
Millennium Team, a prominent Serbian company, was among the participants, showcasing its capabilities and engaging in discussions on potential partnerships. Vuk Radović, Director of the Humanitarian Demining Sector, and Đorđe Krunić, Head of Operations in the same sector, represented the company. They were part of a Serbian business delegation led by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which included the Serbian Development Agency and EXPO 2027 Belgrade.
The forum provided Millennium Team with an opportunity to present its major infrastructure projects and explore future collaborations with potential partners from the Carpathian region. Vuk Radović expressed optimism about the contacts established during the event, suggesting they could form the foundation for new partnerships.
The forum was attended by representatives from various countries, institutions, and companies, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation, investments, and market connectivity. Discussions covered a range of topics, including energy, infrastructure, industry, transportation, logistics, and tourism, all deemed crucial for regional development.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić also attended the forum, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation. He highlighted the Carpathian Initiative as a strategic opportunity for Serbia to strengthen ties with other European countries. Vučić noted the significance of energy projects, roads, railways, and other infrastructure initiatives for the region. He also pointed out the substantial increase in trade between Serbia and Ukraine, which has risen by 42 percent.
During the two-day event, an investment portfolio comprising nearly 100 projects with a total value exceeding 40 billion euros was presented. The summit resulted in investment, financial, and trade agreements worth over one billion euros. The forum attracted nearly 1,400 participants from 25 countries, including around 500 companies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Serbian stand during the forum’s opening, engaging with Serbian representatives. The economic discussions at the forum focused on developing regional cooperation and fostering joint projects in infrastructure, energy, trade, and investments.
The Karpatski ekonomski forum, as part of the “Carpathian Eight” summit, brought together Ukraine, Serbia, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary, with participation from European Union representatives. The broader goal of this new format is to enhance regional cooperation and connect countries through shared projects in key sectors.
This forum marks a continuation of ongoing regional initiatives and discussions on cooperation between Serbia and Ukraine. It underscores the potential for increased economic collaboration and the development of infrastructure and trade ties among participating countries. The outcomes of the forum, including the agreements and partnerships formed, are expected to have lasting impacts on the region’s economic landscape.
