The Balkans Policy Research Group (BPRG) has stated in a press release that Kosovo deserves full representation in CEFTA and that the EU and its partners should insist on and facilitate this process.
According to the government organization, Kosovo should lift the ban on Serbian goods—a request from Germany on the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process. Furthermore, Kosovo risks being left out of this process if it refuses to lift the ban. Lifting the ban on Serbian goods would reduce tensions in northern Kosovo and help improve relations with the Serbian community. Meanwhile, the current bans are also damaging trade with EU countries. While Germany and others will support Kosovo with sophisticated scanners to monitor goods coming from Serbia, they should also ensure that Serbia allows free trade and unobstructed movement of goods from Kosovo,” the statement says.
BPRG notes that civil society will support the government in these efforts.
“As an immediate and interim step, the German government should lead the process, and CEFTA members should immediately change—all protocols, procedural rules, and decisions—so that Kosovo is fully recognized and UNMIK is completely removed from any role, including participation, representation, communication, and decision-making.”
Full Statement:
On the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process, the German government aims to launch Regional Common Market (RCM) II. RCM—a Western Balkans initiative—is structured around four freedoms: the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people. Based on this structure, RCM II focuses on developing human capital and skills, promoting digital transformation, creating a favorable business environment, and increasing competitiveness.
The main goal is to integrate the region with the EU Single Market and accelerate the path of Western Balkans countries towards membership. Increasing initiatives under the Berlin Process and RCM II aim to expand the mandate and tasks for CEFTA, which includes seven Southeast European countries (six Western Balkans countries—WB6 and Moldova).
The proposed reforms aim to improve trade between CEFTA members and with the EU.
The draft proposal also aims to review Kosovo’s representation in CEFTA. In 2006, UNMIK joined CEFTA on behalf of Kosovo and remains a signatory member. Kosovo has continuously sought the removal of its role from the treaty. Over time, Kosovo’s institutions have gained more role, but no legal changes have been made for the full transfer of representation from Kosovo to UNMIK.
As an independent state, Kosovo deserves full representation in CEFTA. The 2013 Regional Representation Agreement with Serbia, the 2016 Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU, and the recent agreements on “The Path to Normalization of Relations between Kosovo and Serbia” reached in Brussels and Ohrid in 2023 leave no room for other interpretations. Although treaty changes will take time, the EU and its partners must insist on and facilitate the process to ensure Kosovo’s full and uncontested representation.
At the same time, Kosovo needs to proactively negotiate for this purpose, now overdue.
Civil society will support the government in these efforts. As an immediate and interim step, the German government should lead the process, and CEFTA members should immediately change—all protocols, procedural rules, and decisions—so that Kosovo is fully recognized and UNMIK is completely removed from any role, including participation, representation, communication, and decision-making.
Additionally, the German government and the EU need to be much more demanding regarding the ratification of previous agreements, including free movement of people and diploma recognition.
Failure to implement previous agreements by all Western Balkans countries undermines the trust of governments and citizens in regional cooperation agendas.
For more, see the Balkans Policy Research Group report, “Kosovo’s Contested Representation in CEFTA – A Political and Legal Analysis,” October 2021. CEFTA and regional cooperation initiatives also carry significant obligations. In addition to securing full representation, the Kosovo Government needs to immediately and in good faith negotiate all protocols and arrangements that will enable the free movement of goods and people within WB6.
Existing relationships and trade barriers damage Kosovo’s international reputation as a free market area, and addressing these issues will strengthen Kosovo’s position in regional initiatives.
Improving regional cooperation, fostering rules-based trade, and ensuring equal representation are essential for achieving the Berlin Summit’s objectives. These steps will also help reduce the impact of harmful and parallel initiatives that may exclude or harm Kosovo.
The Kosovo Government must intensify its efforts in CEFTA, mobilize all resources to secure operational space, and use every available tool to combat politicization and trade barriers imposed by Serbia and other countries.
Reopening markets and improving trade with neighbors and the EU will help Kosovo establish its position as a reliable regional partner.
Lifting the ban on Serbian goods would reduce tensions in northern Kosovo and help improve relations with the Serbian community.
Meanwhile, the current bans are also damaging trade with EU countries. While Germany and others will support Kosovo with sophisticated scanners to monitor goods coming from Serbia, they should also ensure that Serbia allows free trade and unobstructed movement of goods from Kosovo.
With developing agendas—often competitive and complementary between themselves—such as the Green Deal and Growth Plan, Kosovo needs to firmly consolidate its position in EU regional initiatives and fully absorb funds and programs.
Approval of necessary protocols at the Berlin Summit and changes to CEFTA protocols remain essential for enabling Kosovo’s full representation and developing free trade with its members and the EU. These changes will also pave the way for Kosovo’s membership in the Euro Payment Area, benefiting businesses, improving financial transactions with the region and the EU, and facilitating remittance transfers from the diaspora. It is also regrettable that Kosovo and the German Government have failed to engage in consultations, transparent, and inclusive dialogue regarding the upcoming Berlin Summit agendas.
Both sides need to immediately increase transparency and include all stakeholders, institutions, political representatives, civil society, and the business community.
The Kosovo Government, with the support of international partners, interest groups, and civil society, must act urgently to secure its deserving place and fully utilize the opportunities these initiatives offer, fighting for full and equal representation.
