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The European Union has described as a positive step towards the normalization of relations the decision of Serbia to allow the free circulation of vehicles with Kosovo license plates, RKS - Republic of Kosovo, within its territory.
The EU spokesman, Peter Stano, said that he expects Kosovo to take a similar decision and said that this proves that progress in the process of normalizing relations between Pristina and Belgrade "is possible".
" We welcome Serbia's decision to officially recognize RKS vehicle license plates issued by Kosovo. This decision is a positive step in the implementation of the Agreement on the road to normalization, but also the previous commitments within the dialogue on freedom of movement. This proves that progress in the process of normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia is possible. It is also a right step towards better European integration of the Western Balkans, which will ultimately benefit the citizens of the region. This decision paves the way for the complete removal of the sticker regime. The EU now expects Kosovo to respond in a similar manner ," Stano said in a written reply.
On December 25, the head of the Office for Kosovo in the Serbian Government, Petar Petkovic, announced that from January 1, 2024, vehicles with RKS license plates will be allowed to move freely in the territory of Serbia.
However, he did not specify whether the license plates of vehicles will be covered with stickers when they cross the border, the practice that is currently in place.
On the issue of the Free movement, Kosovo and Serbia reached an agreement in 2011, within the dialogue for the normalization of relations mediated by the European bloc.
Before the practice of stickers, vehicles with RKS plates were forced to get trial plates at the border with Serbia, which were valid for 60 days and cost 5 euros. But, on September 20, 2021, the Government of Kosovo decided the measure of reciprocity, which also forced drivers from Serbia to go through the same procedure to enter Kosovo.
However, this measure provoked dissatisfaction among the Serbian population in Kosovo, who blocked the roads leading to the border crossing points with Serbia, in Jarinje and Bërnjak.
To reduce tensions, with the mediation of the bloc, on September 30, 2021, the temporary agreement on license plates was reached. This agreement, which was intended to be in effect for six months until the Kosovo and Serbia working groups find a long-term solution, led to drivers with both Kosovo and Serbian license plates affixing stickers to the state symbols on their license plates. every time they crossed the border of these two states. /REL
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