On 26 November 2025 in Podgorica, the Western Balkans Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) Association held its Assembly and Board meetings.
The Western Balkans Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) Association convened its Assembly Meeting on 26 November 2025 in Podgorica, Montenegro. The organization of the assembly meeting was supported by GIZ project EU4Trade/ RegioTrade Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, co-funded by the European Union.
At the assembly, the President of the association Mr. Genc Celi presented the achievements and challenges throughout 2025 followed by the legal representative of the association Mr. Jovan Mutavdzic presenting the financial statement for 2025. The association’s assembly discussed sustainability of the association, funding, engagement with customs authorities and priorities for the upcoming year. In addition, the companies’ members of the association gain insights into the national and regional activities presented by Ms. Aida Nani who was manager of the association in the first year of establishment.
At the meeting, companies became extensively familiar with the ongoing support by the EU4Trade/ RegioTrade project to the association, including cooperation with customs administrations across the Western Balkans, public–private dialogue formats, and capacity-building initiatives. Members welcomed continued strategic cooperation to bolster professionalism, visibility, and impact.
Two new board members were elected on this assembly meeting Ms. Aida Omerović (Mesopromet, Montenegro) and Ylberina Gashi Bakalli (Titan Sharcem Kosovo). These two members replaced Mr. Betim Krijeziu (Frutex, Kosovo) and Dragana Stajović (Nelt, Montenegro) who served generously the association’s needs in the past.
After the official part of agenda, the AEO Association Board, has its meeting discussing communication channels, frequency and format of annual meetings, roles/responsibilities as well as key challenges, available resources and collaboration with EU4Trade / RegioTrade project.
Decisions and action points will be finalized through internal coordination, while annual planning meeting for activities in 2026 was scheduled for January 2026. This planning meeting will define next steps and activities for 2026 so stay tuned for more news on how AEO association will advocate for improving the access to benefits deriving from AEO status.
