Prishtinë,
27/04/2026
According to her, the agreement with EFTA, signed in January 2025, constitutes an important instrument of trade policy, aiming to deepen Kosovo’s economic integration with European markets with high purchasing power and advanced standards.
It includes the progressive liberalization of trade in goods through the elimination of customs tariffs for most industrial products, improved market access for agricultural products, as well as clearer rules on the origin of goods, intellectual property rights and increased legal certainty for economic operators. The agreement also includes trade in services, including sectors such as finance, information technology, transport and tourism.
The Minister emphasized that the ratification of this agreement takes on special importance also due to the continuous increase in trade exchanges with EFTA countries, especially with Switzerland and Norway, reflecting the strengthening of export capacities and the increased presence of Kosovar products in these markets. She added that in addition to the economic aspect, the agreement also has political importance in relation to trade partners and foreign investors.
At the same time, she stressed that the Assembly has also approved Additional Protocols 5, 6 and 7 of CEFTA, which aim to facilitate trade, liberalize trade in services and create more efficient mechanisms for resolving disputes. Protocol 5 focuses on simplifying procedures and eliminating trade barriers, including electronic data exchange and mutual recognition of laboratory tests. Protocol 6 extends the agreement to trade in services, improving market access and increasing legal certainty for domestic providers, while Protocol 7 establishes clearer rules for dispute resolution, increasing predictability in regional trade relations.
She added that the adoption of these agreements and protocols represents an important step towards fulfilling international obligations, advancing regional and European integration, as well as creating a more favourable environment for business development and increased exports.