The European Union has welcomed Serbia's decision to recognize vehicle license plates issued by Kosovo, saying it demonstrates that progress in the process of normalizing relations is possible.
EU foreign affairs spokesperson Peter Stano said on X, formerly Twitter, on December 26 that the decision was “a positive step in the implementation of the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation, as well as past Dialogue commitments related to Freedom of Movement.”
He also said it was "a step in the right direction towards better regional and EU integration of the W. Balkans, which ultimately benefits the citizens of the region."
The European Union expects Kosovo to respond in a similar manner, he added.
There has been no response from the Kosovo government on whether it will reciprocate.
Vehicle license plates became a flashpoint over their display of national symbols. Until now, vehicles from either Kosovo or Serbia could cross the border only if they placed stickers to hide the symbols.
Serbia decided on December 25 to allow all vehicles from Kosovo with Republic of Kosovo license plates to cross freely. Petar Petkovic, the head of the Serbian government office for Kosovo, confirmed that the decision will apply from January 1, 2024.
Petkovic said that a disclaimer will be posted at all border and administrative crossings stating that the change was made for practical reasons to facilitate freedom of movement “and that it cannot be interpreted as recognition of Kosovo's independence.”
Serbia in 2011 agreed to recognize Kosovo license plates and vice versa after a European Union (EU) mediated deal, but the decision was never fully implemented.
Kosovo earlier this year pulled back from a controversial decision to penalize drivers who did not swap vehicle license plates issued by Serbia for those issued by Pristina.