The tax lift does not unlock the dialog

Although the EU's pressure to lift the tax on Serbian products is growing, Kosovo institutions remain steadfast in keeping the fee in force. As the tax removal was requested by the German-French delegation, who visited Kosovo on Monday, MPs estimate that even if the tax is lifted Serbia will not return to the negotiating table.

It has been seven months since the Government of Kosovo had imposed a 100% tax on Serbian and Bosnian products in response to the Serb state's lobbying propaganda towards Kosovo, but the Kosovo government has not changed its stance on this tax even after 7 months.

The tax removal was demanded by the delegation from France and Germany, who visited Kosovo on Monday, but the heads of state also after this meeting stressed that the tax would remain in force and that Kosovo does not accept conditions from Serbia, writes the newspaper “Zeri”.

“Dialogue must occur unconditionally. Tarifa will not be removed because it is a legitimate decision by the Government of Kosovo. Personally, I'm against taking the rate off. But thus no one from the international community should allow Belgrade to set conditions for the continuation of dialogue. Kosovo under no circumstances will accept new criteria for visa liberalisation, the removal of the fee or any other” process, President Thaci stressed after meeting with this delegation Monday.