When the EU's future enlargement was discussed in Brussels on 4 March 2026, EWES CEO Anton Svensson was on the panel as one of the voices of the business community.
Industry's perspective in Brussels
In Brussels, representatives from the European Commission, business and industry gathered at the invitation of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise to discuss the business impact of a larger union.
With subsidiaries in Serbia and Bosnia, EWES CEO Anton Svensson was invited to join the panel, where he highlighted the company's experience from the Balkans.
– For us, this has been a concrete issue for a long time. We already have operations in Bosnia and Serbia and have seen the region's potential for decades, he says.
A long presence in the Balkans
EWES has been established in the Balkan region for more than 20 years, with production in Serbia since 2004 and in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2013.
Products manufactured there include springs, wire parts, pressed components and strip steel products. Production covers both local deliveries and exports to international customers.
From Bredaryd to Bosnia
Production in the Balkans largely mirrors manufacturing in Småland. One difference is that the production of no-sag springs is no longer in Bredaryd but is now concentrated in Bosnia.
Manufacturing of upholstery springs has been established there for more than five years, with deliveries to both the domestic and the continental furniture market. Up to one million no-sag springs in various designs are produced every year. The no-sag spring is a component that contributes to comfort in sofas and beds.
Read more about the no-sag spring here »
A growing market
A full enlargement of the EU would mean a larger market with more than 500 million inhabitants, greater access to skills and stronger supply chains. At the same time, this development requires investment and adaptation to common regulations.
– For customers who want to grow in the region, we can already offer experience, local presence and established production in the Western Balkans, says Anton Svensson.
Business needs to be part of the dialogue
The seminar in Brussels clearly showed that the question of EU enlargement is not only about politics and security, but also about trade, production and long-term competitiveness. That is why it is important that companies with practical experience from the region are part of the dialogue.
