Representatives of Kosovo and the European Commission met in Brussels on 13 October 2026 to discuss developments in the areas of trade, industry, customs and taxation in Kosovo, in the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.
In all areas, they agreed on the importance of implementing the priorities of the Economic Reform Programme, the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the accompanying Reform Agenda, as well as the recommendations from the Commission’s 2025 Kosovo Report.
In the area of customs and taxation, Kosovo made progress in particular by expanding the use of publicly operated customs terminals, reducing customs terminal fees, increasing revenue collection, fighting customs fraud and strengthening the capacities of Kosovo Customs. The Commission welcomed Kosovo’s updated customs integrity plan and looks forward to its full implementation, as well as the further enhancement and implementation of the pre-arrival clearance for imported goods. Regarding the Tax Administration, the EU noted progress indigitalisation of its services, thus enhancing service delivery for both businesses and Kosovo citizens. The Commission stressed, however, the lack of progress in the approval of laws, especially those providing for fiscal reforms.
In the area of trade, the issue of limited capacities within the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation and its (quality standard) agencies was discussed. Sufficient capacities in these agencies are crucial to ensure effective engagement on all matters related to trade and regional economic cooperation.
The EU commended Kosovo on ratification of CEFTA Additional Protocols 5 (on trade facilitation), 6 (on liberalisation of services) and 7 (on dispute settlement) and hopes to see swift implementation.
On industry and SME policy, the EU encouraged Kosovo to allocate sufficient funding for the implementation of the Action Plan 2026-2028 of the Strategy for Industrial Development and Support. Parties agreed that Kosovo move swiftly with the establishment of the new agencies for export promotion and for support for SMEs. In addition to the agencies’ role in addressing the need to better support investments and the private sector, their operationalisation is also envisaged as one of the steps in the implementaion of Growth Plan. The EU further welcomed the steps taken towards aligning the Law on Late Payment in Commercial Transactions with the EU Directive.
On free movement of goods, discussion focused on increasing the capacity of institutions and further alignment of legislation with the EU acquis in order to improve the quality infrastructure in the areas of standardisation, accreditation, conformity assessment, metrology and market surveillance. The Commission noted the entering into force of Law on the Central Inspectorate of Market Surveillance, as well as the adoption of the last outstanding sub-legal acts underpinning the Law on General Product Safety. Commission asked Kosovo to adopt the new Laws on Metrology and Accreditation and implement the new Law on the Central Inspectorate of Market Surveillance.
Background information
· The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) is the framework for the EU and the Kosovo administration to regularly discuss technical and policy issues in relation to the EU-related reforms. The SAA bodies include the Stabilisation and Association Council, assisted by the Stabilisation and Association Committee, as well as SAA Sub-Committees, which cover a wide range of the EU acquis. The meetings of the SAA bodies provide direct input into the European Commission’s annual reports.
· Each Sub-Committee meeting monitors and accompanies Kosovo’s delivery on reforms and identifies how the EU can assist in this process.
· There are seven areas covered through sectorial meetings of sub-committees, on Justice, Freedom and Security; Innovation, Information Society, Social Policy, Education and Culture; Trade, Industry, Customs and Taxation; Internal Market, Competition, Consumer and Health Protection; Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Food Safety; Transport, Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Regional Development; Economic and Financial Issues, Statistics.
· Two other areas covered through the meetings of special groups are the reform of the public administration and normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
· SAA Committee and Sub-Committee meetings are co-chaired by the European Commission and Kosovo. Each meeting results in jointly agreed follow-up actions to be taken by the Kosovo authorities. The time between the meetings allows for the implementation of the recommendations and agreed follow-up actions.