The 2025 edition of CEFTA Week will centre on the trade bloc’s contribution to competitiveness, digital transformation and the gradual integration of its members into the European Union, organisers said on Wednesday.
The annual event brings together policymakers and experts to discuss how trade cooperation and market integration under CEFTA can deliver practical benefits for companies and citizens while supporting alignment with EU rules.
Over three days, participants will examine CEFTA’s role in a shifting global trade environment, including options for gradual and functional EU integration. Panels will highlight CEFTA’s contribution to the implementation of the Common Regional Market (CRM) 2025–2028 agenda and the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and Moldova. The main conference will take place on Dec. 3, following CEFTA body meetings and side events held on Dec. 1 and 2.
High-level discussions, technical panels, and exchanges with youth representatives and the private sector will underline CEFTA’s function as a platform for inclusive dialogue and evidence-based policymaking.
Ministers from CEFTA members are expected to take part in a high-level dialogue on shared priorities and the path toward deeper economic integration. The talks will focus on CEFTA’s role in strengthening economic resilience, competitiveness and convergence with the EU at a time of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Discussions will address policy areas where CEFTA plays a central role in turning commitments into practical measures — including trade facilitation, customs modernisation, and the development of digital and paperless trade systems. Participants will also examine recognition frameworks that ease the movement of goods, services and people, such as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, trusted operators and electronic signatures.
The programme will further spotlight opportunities to deepen cooperation in e-commerce, consumer protection and digital innovation, and will outline priorities for rolling out the new CRM Action Plan for 2025–2028.
CEFTA Week 2025 serves as a moment to review progress and shape the future direction of regional trade cooperation. It also marks the end of the CEFTA Chairmanship for 2025 and the handover to the incoming 2026 Chair, reaffirming member states’ commitment to advancing economic integration and moving collectively toward the EU.