CEFTA should serve as a platform that helps all parties align with EU standards, said Rozeta Hajdari, Acting Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade.

Speaking at the event “CEFTA Week 2025 – Common Trade, Towards Europe”, Hajdari emphasized that during Kosovo’s chairmanship of CEFTA, the focus was on implementing new measures adopted by CEFTA which, as she stated, “bring us closer to economic integration within the European Union’s common market.”

“CEFTA should serve as the platform that helps all parties align with EU standards by improving their regulatory frameworks in line with key EU guidelines, and by building the capacities needed to fully benefit from this transformative opportunity. We have had an active chairmanship of CEFTA this year, aimed at achieving the successful implementation of CEFTA’s adopted decisions, priorities and new measures for the further development of the agreement, as well as the implementation of CEFTA measures within the Common Regional Market Action Plan. The successful implementation of measures under the Common Regional Market Plan, which is the second pillar of the EU Growth Plan, aims to foster economic integration within the Western Balkans, and this brings us even closer to economic integration within the EU’s common market,” Hajdari said.

Hajdari emphasized that Kosovo’s chairmanship of CEFTA has placed special focus on removing barriers that still hinder businesses, as well as advancing the digital and green transition.

She described the EU Growth Plan and the perspective of gradual access to parts of the European single market as a new momentum.

“Kosovo’s chairmanship has placed special emphasis on removing the barriers that still hinder our businesses, advancing the digital and green transition, and strengthening the foundations for a deeper value chain in the region with the aim of greater integration into the European and global value chains. A better integrated Western Balkans is not only important for trade, it is essential for attracting investment, creating jobs and preparing our economies for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. This year, we also stand before a historic opening: the EU Growth Plan and the perspective of gradual access to parts of the European single market. This creates a new momentum ahead of us,” she said.

The Director for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood, Valentina Superti, stated that they remain committed to supporting CEFTA, but reminded that progress requires shared responsibility and cooperation.

“While the past year has been challenging, it is clear that technical groundwork has been laid in many areas. And in fact, a good number of deliverables and agreements have been adopted. This was also mentioned before. And for that I commend your commitment. However, at the same time, we now need to find ways to continue working towards proper processes without interruptions caused by external circumstances. Because good faith in implementing the second pillar of the growth plan is the only way that can ultimately guarantee access to the EU single market… Looking ahead, we are truly confident that the incoming Albanian chair can offer significant assistance in helping the parties steer CEFTA towards boosting the region’s competitiveness,” she said.

The Director of the CEFTA Secretariat, Pranvera Kastrati, stated that within CEFTA, trade has significantly expanded, with increases ranging from 44% to over 70% among the parties.

“Figures and numbers speak better and louder than we do, and trade figures speak volumes. Within CEFTA, trade has expanded significantly with increases ranging from 44% to over 70% among the parties. Around 70% of our trade is still with the European Union, which confirms the importance and the economic ties we have with the EU and why we are so committed to working towards this goal and ambition, integration into the EU. Expert interest since 2024 has increased by approximately 121% over a decade, which is a lot,” Kastrati emphasized.

As part of CEFTA Week, panel discussions were also organized where participants spoke about the role of CEFTA and regional trade agreements in an era of increased uncertainty and changing trade models and alliances.