Kosovo lost millions of euros in the last 10 years because of not being able to collect border police insurance and taxes on goods entering its border crossings with Serbia. None of the vehicles that entered Kosovo through border crossing points paid insurance until the agreement was implemented.
"The data shows that from goods entering through these two border crossings, Jarinje and Bernjak in the north of Kosovo, we have gathered 11 million euros in the past six months, compared to 2.3 million euros gathered during the same period in 2012," Fllanza Mezini, a spokesperson for Kosovo Customs, told SETimes.
"The agreement led to a decrease of contraband in the north of the country. According to our estimations, losses from the lack of control in the two border crossings in the north of the country have been between 30 to 35 million euros per year," Mezini added.
The agreement, which was implemented on December 9th 2012, stipulates that authorities and agencies involved in border security and trade facilitation in Kosovo and Serbia co-ordinate the management of the border.
It has also enabled Kosovo police and customs officers to have access to the crossings in the north. However, the control of the movement of people and goods over the border still remains a challenge due to several illegal crossings, said Mentor Vrajolli, a senior researcher for Kosovo Security Studies Centre.
Vrajolli said direct co-operation between the border institutions of Kosovo and Serbia will benefit both countries.
Serbia Deputy Prime Minister Rasim Ljajic said that the major benefit for Serbia lies in the change of its image in the world. Serbia is also going to benefit from staying on the road of European integration, which should lead to economic stability and attract foreign investors.
"This agreement shows that even the most difficult issues can be solved through diplomatic means and the European Union has recognised this approach," Ljaijic told SETimes.
Ljajic also said there will be benefits for the practical daily issues of the Kosovo Serbs, which is well under way.
Kosovo officials said the agreement has improved security of border crossings, including the two in the north, and in the increase of the number of people crossing.
"There is an improvement since the implementation of the new border control in the national security and international relations of Kosovo," Baki Kelani, spokesperson for Kosovo police, told SETimes. "As a result of that, there is a positive reflection on the prevention and fighting of cross-border crime."
The successful management of the crossings is important to both countries as they attempt to keep a tenuous peace. For Kosovo, the border represents a normalisation of relations with Belgrade after declaring independence, and is another step toward international recognition and acceptance.
Serbia does not recognise Kosovo independence, but is attempting to win the favour of the EU as it works towards European integration.
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Border agreement adds to KOSOVO coffers
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