Shahini on the ban on the import of Serbian goods: Everyone has suffered economically, and politically even more

Agim Shahini, President of the Alliance of Kosovar Businesses, tells Kosovo Online that Pristina's decision to ban imports from Serbia, which has been in effect for nine months, affects Serbian citizens the most, as they are left without products from Serbia and are forced to consume products from Kosovo or other countries, because every citizen wants to consume products from their own country.

"The goods we used to import from Serbia are now being imported from North Macedonia, Albania, and other countries, while domestic producers who use raw materials from Serbia can import them without any problems. The Kosovo economy has not incurred losses because products from other countries have been found. There is a wide range of products, including Serbian ones produced in Macedonia and imported to Kosovo. Transportation costs have slightly increased, but consumers can find everything they need. Some items may be a bit more expensive than before, although prices are high everywhere, so it is not very noticeable," Shahini says.

He cites data showing that the import of goods from Serbia was over 372 million euros in 2022, dropping to 198 million euros in 2023, a decrease of over 173 million euros.

"According to these statistics, Serbia's economy suffers the most because it has lost a good partner, Kosovo. Also, Serbia is now Kosovo's ninth trading partner, whereas before this measure, it was the fourth. Similarly, Kosovo had exports to Serbia of over 60 million euros in 2022, and now it's around 48 million euros, a decrease of 12 million. In this entire process, everyone has suffered economically, and politically even more, because Kosovo and Serbia cannot reach the end of the dialogue, and we have sanctions because of the dialogue," Shahini believes.

He recalls that the ban on Serbian imports followed the arrest of three Kosovo police officers and was a kind of retaliation against the Serbian authorities. While the Kosovo authorities justified the ban on security grounds, Shahini believes it makes sense politically but not economically.

"The responsibility for everything happening between Serbia and Kosovo lies with Prime Minister Kurti and Serbian President Vucic. This means that they should change their minds for the sake of their people and country so that we can find a solution as soon as possible. It's important for goods, capital, and people to move without problems, and it shouldn't matter whether they are in Kosovo or Serbia. Freedom of movement is crucial," Shahini says.