EU hopes on unblocking CEFTA, as Kosovo lifted restrictions on Serbian goods

The European Union (BE) has named Tuesday as the right “towards unblocking the decision-making in CEFTA Kosovo's decision to lift restrictions on imports of goods from Serbia a day earlier.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti's government decided on Monday to lift restrictions on goods from Serbia at the border checkpoint in Merdare, while this crossing opened for Serbian goods on Tuesday.

The EU has seen as good “warning “the Kosovo Government's decision in hopes that, in this way, the way has opened for success of the Berlin Process summit, which takes place next week in Germany.

Diplomatic sources in the EU told Radio Free Europe Germany has worked to resolve the issue of that blockade, while on Monday, Germany has announced to other countries the performance of talks with Kosovo and Serbia.

They said they still do not know all the details from the talks about CEFTA because, in addition to lifting restrictions on goods from Serbia on Kosovo, the mode for Kosovo participation should be found and a solution with which all sides would agree.

Kosovo has been a member of CEFTA since 2007, but is represented through the UN mission in the country UNMIK.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has said Monday without a decision that he expects at the next meeting, Kosovo will be represented by its name.

Meanwhile, EU spokesman Peter Stano has recalled the importance CEFTA has for the regional market and has reiterated the bloc's strong support for it.

“The EU supports free trade in goods throughout the Western Balkans, in line with CEFTA regulations. This is key to the functioning of the common regional market and constituent part of the growth plan in the region, and both bring tangible benefits to citizens throughout the region“, Stano said.