The President of the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia (PKS) has proposed an initiative to bring European rapporteurs for the Western Balkans together with business leaders from Serbia and the region. The aim is to discuss the impact of non-tariff barriers on regional economies and their trade relations with the European Union.
During recent discussions in Brussels, the PKS President met with a European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia to address specific challenges that hinder economic cooperation within the Western Balkans, including obstacles at border crossings and along the administrative line with Kosovo and Metohija.
The key issues identified include logistical and regulatory hurdles affecting the flow of goods, services, and people at border crossings, particularly with Croatia. These challenges are seen as major impediments to trade and economic activity, not just for Serbia but also for neighboring countries like Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, which rely heavily on this transport corridor.
“The lack of efficient transport logistics at key border crossings has become a significant problem. For instance, 80% of Serbia’s exports are routed through the port of Rijeka, and the EU must recognize the importance of improving these logistical channels to avoid undermining industry across Europe,” the PKS President stated.
Further challenges were highlighted at the Merdare administrative crossing, where severe congestion limits truck passage, allowing only 45 of the 300 trucks that should be crossing daily. This restriction is causing significant economic losses, especially for Croatian producers operating in Serbia, who rely on Kosovo as an important market.
“The difficulties faced by businesses due to these border issues are not just a local problem; they affect the broader economy. It’s crucial that policymakers understand how these barriers negatively impact the entire region,” the PKS President emphasized.
To address these issues and improve trade flows, the PKS President called for a meeting between European rapporteurs for the Western Balkans and business leaders from Serbia and the region. The goal is to collaboratively identify solutions and accelerate the resolution of these critical barriers.
