-
By:
Augustin Palokaj
- December 16, 2018 15:38
- Share to:
EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom and Commissioner Johannes Hahn in a joint letter to Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj offer the option of resolving the tariff problem with Serbia.
They offer, among other things, that the name "UNMIK" in CEFTA be replaced with "Kosovo *". But they demand that, as a sign of good will, before Monday, December 17, when the SAA Council meets in Brussels, Kosovo temporarily suspend the implementation of the decision on tariffs on goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Support the TIME. Preserve the truth.
Professional journalism is in the public interest. Your support helps it remain independent and credible. Contribute too. 1 euro makes a difference.
Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support ContributeThese three members of the European Commission also wrote the letter to the Prime Minister of Kosovo, addressing some concerns that Haradinaj expressed in the letter he had sent earlier when he explained the reasons why Kosovo had imposed these measures.
"We have also been informed of the list of trade practice cases by Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina which, from Kosovo's point of view, represent barriers to the correct implementation of CEFTA arrangements and create significant problems on the ground for economic operations. and for the citizens ", it is said in the letter.
Recalling how the experience of the European Union through the creation of a unique market among 28 member states proves how the removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers results in increased competition and supply for consumers, the signatories of the letter state that the decision of the Government of Kosovo to increased tariffs was a step in the wrong direction, which goes against the progress achieved in regional economic integration, KOHA reports.
"The imposition of new tariffs in the medium term will harm the economic interests of Kosovo and its people, reducing trade and damaging the attractiveness of Kosovo as a place for investment and business. "In light of this, we want to reiterate that the unique position of the EU is that this decision should be withdrawn in the earliest possible case," the letter reads.
"At the same time, the European Commission takes very seriously the various concerns that you have raised in your letter. In the spirit of a free trade area, all actors must abide by the rules they have jointly adopted. In order to address these concerns, as proposed by Commissioner Hahn during his visit on 3 December, the European Commission is ready to establish a special format for you and Serbia to urgently find concrete and practical solutions to various issues. "you have mentioned", it is said in the letter of these three members of the European Commission addressed to Haradinaj.
The letter goes on to say that "this could also include the long-standing issue of replacing UNMIK with Kosovo * and the broader issue of modernizing and revitalizing CEFTA", offer the signatories of this letter. .
They demand that the Government of Kosovo, as a sign of good will, before the meeting of the SAA Council, ie before Monday, December 17, to temporarily suspend the implementation of the decision on tariffs, as long as the efforts for permanent solution of the problem last.
Tomorrow in Brussels takes place the meeting between Kosovo and the EU within the Stabilization and Association Council. A day later, the same meeting takes place with Serbia. Federica Mogherini gathers the leaders of the countries of the Western Balkans region in Brussels on Wednesday.