Oct 7, 2024 – The Government of Kosovo has lifted its ban on imports of goods from Serbia, a move aimed at alleviating tensions and ensuring participation in critical regional processes like the Berlin Process. Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced the decision on Monday, stating that goods will now be allowed entry through the main border crossing at Merdarë.
Kurti explained that the security measure has shifted from a total restriction to enhanced control, pending the arrival of scanning equipment. “When the scanners are in place at all border points, we will have a more secure process. Until then, we will implement increased control at the border,” he said during a press conference.
The import ban, which began in June 2023, was initially imposed as a security measure following the arrest of three Kosovo police officers by Serbian forces, who were later released under pressure from Western nations.
Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vu?evi? welcomed Kosovo’s decision, noting that it eases longstanding tensions. “The most important thing now is that the Serbs are supplied with food and medicine,” he stated. Vu?evi? expressed support for any actions that improve the living conditions of Serbs in Kosovo, highlighting German diplomatic efforts aimed at reinforcing the CEFTA agreement.
Kurti has maintained that the measures enacted by his government were never intended as commercial barriers. Western diplomats, particularly from Germany, have persistently urged the Kosovo government to revoke the ban, asserting that it contravenes the principles of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), of which Kosovo is a member alongside five other Western Balkan countries and Moldova.
In exchange for lifting the ban, Kosovo has been promised representation in CEFTA under its own name, as well as support for the provision of scanners for customs inspections of goods entering from Serbia. “We believe that this change in our measures will facilitate success in CEFTA and the Berlin Process,” Kurti added.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo praised the government’s decision, stressing that the ban negatively impacted American and European commercial interests and contradicted Kosovo’s commitments within the integration process.
The Berlin Process, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, was initiated in 2014 by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel to enhance cooperation among Western Balkan countries and support their European Union membership aspirations. The next meeting is scheduled for October 14, with analysts considering it a pivotal moment for the region’s European agenda.
