The European Union (EU) has called Kosovo’s decision to lift restrictions on the import of Serbian goods on Monday a “step in the right direction” toward unblocking decision-making within CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement).
The government of Prime Minister Albin Kurti decided on Monday to lift the restrictions at the Merdare border crossing, and by Tuesday, the crossing was reopened for Serbian goods.
The EU welcomed this move, seeing it as “good news” with the hope that it could pave the way for a successful Berlin Process summit scheduled to take place next week in Germany.
Diplomatic sources within the EU told Radio Free Europe that Germany has been actively working to resolve the blockade, and on Monday, it informed other countries about the progress of the discussions with Kosovo and Serbia.
However, they mentioned that the full details of the CEFTA discussions are still unclear, as beyond Kosovo’s lifting of restrictions on Serbian goods, a solution must also be found for Kosovo’s participation in CEFTA, one that is agreeable to all parties.
Kosovo has been a member of CEFTA since 2007 but has been represented through the UN mission in the country, UNMIK.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, expressed on Monday that he expects Kosovo to be represented under its own name at the next CEFTA meeting.
Meanwhile, EU spokesperson Peter Stano emphasized the importance of CEFTA for the regional market and reiterated the EU’s strong support for it.
“The EU supports the free movement of goods across the Western Balkans, in line with CEFTA rules. This is key for the functioning of the regional common market and an essential part of the region’s growth plan, both of which bring tangible benefits to the citizens across the region,” said Stano.
