"Security measure" against Serbia, no date for the arrival of scanners at border points

On October 7 last year, Kosovo eased the security measure for goods entering from Serbia through Merdare, but Customs has not yet been equipped with the scanners necessary to lift the restriction at the other five crossings. 

Nearly six months after the Government's decision to ease the security measure, in terms of increased controls, for goods entering from Serbia through Merdare, the restriction remains in force at the other five crossings with this neighbor.

While the provision of X-ray scanners, both static and mobile, remains a prerequisite for easing the lockdown in Bernjak, Jarinje, Mutivoda, Dheu i Bardhë and Muçibaba, three separate processes for their purchase are currently underway.

In addition to the procurement process led by Customs for two scanners - a grant from the World Bank - for the supply of such equipment, Germany, facilitated by GIZ, and the American Embassy have also initiated procurement.

However, there is still no date for the arrival of the scanners from either process.

"It is difficult to predict the delivery time of scanner shipments due to the fact that manufacturers usually produce according to the make-to-order principle and do not keep a stock of ready scanners," Kosovo Customs stated.

Confirming that the procurement is ongoing, the German embassy told Dukagjini that the process is complicated and requires time and consideration.

“Germany remains fully committed to supporting the Kosovo Government in providing the necessary scanners at its border crossings. The procurement process, currently ongoing, includes thorough assessments to ensure that the most effective solutions for the specific challenges at the border are identified. Due to the complexity of the project, this process requires time and consideration. All efforts are being undertaken in close cooperation with GIZ, the relevant institutions of the Kosovo Government, the EU and other international partners.”

However, Germany believes that relief could be provided even earlier.

"At the same time, the German Embassy remains actively engaged in monitoring the inspection process at the Merdare Border Crossing. Additional measures by the Kosovar authorities to facilitate the cross-border movement of goods could bring significant improvements for Kosovar, German and international companies. Emphasis is placed on such improvements being made quickly, without requiring new equipment, thereby creating positive impacts for businesses and the business environment in Kosovo and the region."

The US Embassy, ​​meanwhile, did not provide details.

The government imposed the security measure on goods from Serbia in 2023, in response to the kidnapping by Serbian forces of three Kosovo police officers in the village of Bare in Leposaviq.

"That's why we asked for scanners, so that the truck can go through the scanners. When the truck goes through the scanners, it shows that not all the cookies are there."

Despite the easing of restrictions due to CEFTA, Kosovo refuses to completely lift the security measures, especially after the paramilitary terrorist attack in Banjska, as well as the discovery and confiscation of weapons and ammunition in various actions and cases.