Peer-learning session on advancing a just transition towards low-carbon economies in Budapest

Just transition

A just transition that works for business is up for discussion in the Western Balkans

Employers’ organizations from Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia joined a peer-learning session in Budapest to explore how the transition to low-carbon economies can drive business competitiveness and growth

13 October 2025

Peer-learning session on advancing a just transition towards low-carbon economies in Budapest © ILO

BUDAPEST, Hungary (ILO News) – Employers' and Business Membership Organisations (EBMOs) from Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia gathered in Budapest with the support of the ILO for a peer-learning session on advancing a just transition towards low-carbon economies.

Peer-learning session on advancing the just transition to low-carbon economies in Budapest
© ILO
© ILO
Peer-learning session on advancing the just transition to low-carbon economies in Budapest

The event focused on sharing experiences and practical solutions to help enterprises, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), transition to sustainable and competitive business models. Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) assessments and business cases from the participating countries provided valuable context for discussion.

The transition to a low-carbon economy must make business sense. For our members, it’s about staying competitive and creating opportunities.

Mile Boskov, Executive President of the Business Confederation of North Macedonia.
Peer-learning session on advancing a just transition towards low-carbon economies in Budapest
© ILO
© ILO
Peer-learning session on advancing a just transition towards low-carbon economies in Budapest

The EBMOs emphasised that a Just Transition must be commercially viable, driving competitiveness, innovation, and growth, and that MSMEs must be at the heart of climate policy to ensure its success. They also emphasised the importance of employers' organisations being involved in shaping climate policy and NDC discussions, and of empowering MSMEs through skills development, access to finance and services. Above all, they emphasised that social dialogue remains key to achieving national climate goals.

As employers’ organisations, we are the bridge between government and business. Having a voice in NDC design and implementation is crucial.

Filip Lazovic, Deputy Secretary General of the Montenegrin Employers' Federation.

The session was facilitated by ACT/EMP specialists Iulia Drumea and José Luis Viveros Añorve as part of ongoing efforts of the Bureau for Employers' Activities of the ILO to strengthen the capacity of employers' organisations in the Western Balkans to engage effectively in climate policy dialogue.