Oct 3, 2024 — Kosovo is under mounting pressure from Germany to lift its ban on imports from Serbia as a crucial summit of the Berlin Process approaches. The 10th anniversary summit of the initiative, aimed at fostering economic cooperation among Western Balkan countries, is set for October 14.
Kosovo’s government remains committed to making the event a success but has yet to make a decision on Germany’s request. The ban, implemented in July 2023 due to security concerns, is reportedly disrupting the work of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), a regional trade pact. Germany argues that removing the restriction is key to achieving results during the upcoming summit.
Manuel Sarrazin, Germany’s special envoy for the Western Balkans, made the appeal last month, warning that the ban could jeopardize Kosovo’s participation in the Berlin Process, an initiative created in 2014 to support the region’s economic development and EU integration.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the importance of resolving the issue during a meeting with her Balkan counterparts, stating that the coming weeks are decisive for the summit’s success.
The European Union has also expressed concern, saying the ban conflicts with CEFTA and Kosovo’s Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU. Kosovo’s Chamber of Commerce, along with regional economists, has urged the government to reconsider, warning that the restriction could damage broader regional cooperation efforts, including the Common Regional Market, launched in 2020.
Kosovo’s participation in the Berlin Process and its compliance with regional trade agreements remain under close scrutiny as the summit approaches, with broader implications for its relations with both the EU and Serbia.
