The Kosovo government said on Thursday that the decision to raise tariffs on goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina is in line with the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).

According to a government statement, the decision was taken under article 18 of CEFTA which says that member states can take any action necessary to “protect their security interests or implement international obligations or internal policies”.    

One of the reasons given for the decision to raise tariffs are “the constant efforts by Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to dispute Kosovo’s sovereignty”.

“The Kosovo government firmly believes that a dialogue based on goodwill, mutual understanding and trust is the only way to establish trust among states and nations,” the statement said.  

It added that the government is firmly committed to reaching a comprehensive long-term peace agreement with Serbia which will define solutions for all political, security, economic, trade and social problems.