The Foreign Investors Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FIC), in cooperation with ZGI d.o.o., successfully organized a seminar on the CBAM regulation and its impact on the economy of BiH. Given that the European Union accounts for over 60% of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s total exports, the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which comes into effect on January 1, 2026, will directly impact the operations of numerous companies in the country.
CBAM regulation particularly affects the steel, cement, aluminum, electricity, fertilizer, and hydrogen sectors. Companies that do not adapt their operations in a timely manner will face significant export challenges and increased business costs.
“CBAM is not just a regulatory obligation – it is a strategic moment for our economy. Adapting to this regulation is not an option but a necessity for all companies that want to maintain their competitiveness in the European market. We also expect regulatory bodies in BiH to support businesses by introducing concrete measures that will facilitate this transition,” said Sanja Miovčić, Executive Director of the Foreign Investors Council of BiH.
The seminar gathered representatives from the business community, experts, and decision-makers who discussed the legal, economic, and practical aspects of CBAM, analyzing potential challenges as well as the opportunities this regulation brings for sustainable development and the green transition.
“CBAM should not be seen only as an obstacle but also as an incentive for modernization and decarbonization of the industry in BiH. While it introduces new costs, it also opens doors for innovation, investment in green technologies, and alignment with global trends. The key challenge remains reducing implementation costs through smart strategies and efficient application of new standards,” emphasized Sandro Zovko, Director of ZGI d.o.o.
The conclusion of the seminar was that companies must react in a timely manner, and the state must recognize CBAM as a strategic issue to ensure that BiH remains a relevant trading partner in the European market. Participants agreed that it is necessary to intensify cooperation between the private sector, regulatory bodies, and international partners to ensure a successful transition.
Call for further cooperation
FIC BiH and ZGI d.o.o. will continue to monitor the development of CBAM regulations and provide support to the business community through informative seminars, analyses, and recommendations. We invite all interested companies and institutions to participate in future activities and actively contribute to shaping a sustainable business environment.
