Sarrazin: Kosovo cannot block the common regional market, this includes goods from Serbia

Germany’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, stated that Kosovo cannot block the regional market, and therefore, goods produced in Serbia, as well as German products imported into Serbia, because this would have consequences.

In an interview with RTK, Sarrazin provided a detailed analysis of the current situation and the challenges Kosovo faces in the context of the Berlin Summit and the future of the Berlin Process.

Sarrazin emphasized that Kosovo is at an important crossroads and that potential agreements will have a profound impact on regional integration and the benefits for Kosovo's citizens. He explained that Germany had offered Kosovo an important opportunity by proposing a solution that would enable Kosovo to be represented in CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement) bodies and ensure a joint regional market.

"We have opened our ears to Kosovo. Therefore, this is a new step toward recognition. We are offering a solution that allows Kosovo to be represented in CEFTA bodies and ensure a joint regional market so that CEFTA can expand for the benefit of the population across the Western Balkans region. Concrete things such as the recognition of all work permits accepted in the EU, etc. This would put the final nail in the coffin of Open Balkan. We have offered an agreement on one side, listening to Kosovo’s desire to be represented in CEFTA bodies, and then we have offered German-European security and border security. But we must be clear: we, Germany, want free trade in the region, and that includes goods from Serbia. Not just Serbian goods, but also German products manufactured in Serbia must not be barred from entering Kosovo, and that is not in line with our principles of free trade. We cannot create such an agreement for joint trade in the regional market with these issues," Sarrazin emphasized.

He expressed concern that if the Berlin Summit on October 14 fails to secure a joint regional market, the idea of "Open Balkan" could be revived.

"If this summit does not happen, if the success of the joint regional market and the European Commission's major plan are not secured, with the cornerstone being the summit on October 14 in Berlin, of course, Open Balkan will immediately follow. Open Balkan was created to bypass Kosovo. We started working to ensure that Kosovo is at the same table, with the same rights, on the same level as others. We must move forward, we cannot leave the whole region waiting for this cooperation. We cannot jeopardize the joint regional market and let the Berlin Process fail. Therefore, this is neither in Kosovo's interest nor ours," Sarrazin said.

He made it clear that Kosovo’s participation in the summit is crucial to guarantee the country has equal rights at the negotiating table. He stressed that if Kosovo refuses to lift the ban on goods, there could be serious consequences, including the possibility of exclusion from future mechanisms and negative impacts on EU integration.

"I come from a political background that is very pro-Kosovo. From day one, even before 2008, we were committed to Kosovo's independence, and you probably remember my personal stance when there was debate about territorial exchanges and many other debates, but I must clearly state that, of course, Kosovo's flag and state will be respected, and everyone will be invited. Protocol matters will be the same, even at a Christmas dinner, but if they want to participate in those Christmas gifts, then they must make decisions. So, we cannot give gifts to those who do not like Santa Claus. We want to unlock the whole process, not just hold the summit face-to-face. Therefore, on one hand, it is necessary for Kosovo to be part of the table, or we will continue at the table without Kosovo. A joint mechanism will be signed without Kosovo, meaning decisions will be made for five members, not six," the German envoy added.

Sarrazin emphasized that Kosovo cannot block other states in the region in this process.

"We certainly hope Kosovo will participate in the summit. We will not invite Kosovo into a temporary mechanism if it does not begin to remove trade measures, which, in my opinion, do not bring greater security but work against free trade, including for German products from Serbia. This is the situation. This is not an attack on Kosovo. Maybe it is just a different assessment. We have to move forward. Kosovo needs to be at the table. If the Government of Kosovo says they do not like this agreement and others offer them more, of course, they are free to make this decision. They simply will not have the opportunity to block us and the other five in this region in this cooperation," Sarrazin stressed.

He also spoke about the consequences for Kosovo if it does not follow Germany's advice regarding CEFTA.

"The agreement is on the table. If Kosovo does not take advantage of this, it will not reach the other items on that table. We have made it clear that this mechanism allows Kosovo to return later, but the price will then be higher. Sometimes it is better to sign the agreement than to wait because the price can change. I was in Brussels, and some people told me that if Kosovo blocks CEFTA, it will be very difficult to join the Growth Plan and gain access to the EU market. Specifically for Kosovo, this could be an obstacle to the CEEPA plan. So, the consequences could be on the people, on the citizens. You can only block yourself, you cannot block others. However, this is not an attack on Kosovo but an urgent need to move forward with this regional cooperation. I repeat, we want Kosovo at the table, that is our goal as Germany. It is on the agenda, but Germany cannot wait for Kosovo if an agreement is not reached," Sarrazin concluded.