CEFTA - Central European Free Trade Agreement

CEFTA - Central European Free Trade Agreement Official account of CEFTA - Central European Free Trade Agreement

12/06/2026

📣 The CEFTA Research Award 2026 is now open for Master’s thesis candidates and PhD students from CEFTA Parties.

🎓 Your research can help shape the future of trade in the CEFTA region.

📌 Research themes:
📦 Trade in agri-food products
🏭 Trade in industrial products
🤝 Trade in services

How does it work?
1️⃣ Submit a short concept note by 30 June 2026.
2️⃣ Six shortlisted candidates will be invited to develop full Policy Research Papers by November 2026.
3️⃣ Compete for awards worth EUR 15,000:
🏆 3 winners – EUR 4,000 each
🥈 3 runners-up – EUR 1,000 each

🚀 Bring fresh ideas to the policy conversation and make your research count.

🔗 Apply now: cefta.int/open-calls/

In the closing session, Edna Karadza, SEED+ Project Manager at the CEFTA Secretariat, and Mate Gjorgjievski, Desk Office...
11/06/2026

In the closing session, Edna Karadza, SEED+ Project Manager at the CEFTA Secretariat, and Mate Gjorgjievski, Desk Officer in charge of Transport Facilitation at the Transport Community Secretariat, presented the final statement, bringing together the main priorities and shared commitments discussed throughout the day.
Participants reaffirmed the importance of customs cooperation as a practical driver of EU integration, with a strong focus on cooperation, interoperability, digitalisation, coordinated risk management, trusted trader partnerships, and the continued implementation of Green and Blue Lanes powered by SEED+.
The statement reflects a common commitment to move from political support to concrete implementation, strengthening connectivity and predictability between CEFTA and the EU.
The path toward the EU Single Market is built through cooperation and SEED+ remains committed to supporting that journey.

Customs administrations are playing an increasingly strategic role in the region’s path towards the EU Single Market.Dur...
11/06/2026

Customs administrations are playing an increasingly strategic role in the region’s path towards the EU Single Market.
During the second panel, customs leaders and EU representatives discussed how stronger cooperation between the EU and CEFTA Parties can support gradual integration through interoperable systems, coordinated risk management, trusted trader partnerships, and alignment with the evolving EU customs framework.
The discussion highlighted the progress achieved through initiatives such as , programmes, electronic data exchange, and enhanced customs cooperation, while also identifying key priorities for the future: greater interoperability, stronger risk-based controls, and closer alignment with the ongoing reform of the Union Customs Code.
Participants agreed that modern, connected, and data-driven customs administrations are essential for creating secure, predictable, and efficient trade flows, strengthening market confidence, and supporting the broader EU enlargement agenda.
Customs cooperation is no longer only about facilitating trade—it is a strategic lever for economic integration and the region’s European future.

For businesses, integration is measured in time saved, costs reduced, and predictability gained.Tanja Bošković, Head, EU...
11/06/2026

For businesses, integration is measured in time saved, costs reduced, and predictability gained.
Tanja Bošković, Head, EU4Trade project and Genc Çeli, President of Western Balkans AEO Association highlighted the value of the solutions supported through SEED+, including and enhanced customs cooperation maintaining close dialogue between customs administrations and businesses to ensure that regional reforms translate into tangible benefits for companies operating across the region.

From crisis response to a strategic integration instrument.The first panel explored how Green Lanes, developed and suppo...
11/06/2026

From crisis response to a strategic integration instrument.
The first panel explored how Green Lanes, developed and supported through the SEED+ framework, have evolved into one of the most tangible examples of regional cooperation delivering measurable results for trade and transport.
Participants discussed how Green Lanes can further develop into a broader EU–CEFTA priority corridor framework, strengthening predictability, trust, and interoperability between customs administrations.
The discussion confirmed that continued investment in digitalisation, data exchange, and coordinated procedures remains essential for bringing the region closer to the EU Single Market.

The Third High-Level Conference of Customs Directors General of the Western Balkans and EU Member States opened today in...
11/06/2026

The Third High-Level Conference of Customs Directors General of the Western Balkans and EU Member States opened today in Athens, bringing together customs leaders, EU institutions, regional partners, and the business community to discuss the future of regional economic integration.
Organised by the CEFTA Secretariat through the SEED+ Action, together with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue of the Hellenic Republic (ΑΑΔΕ - IAPR )and the Transport Community Secretariat, the conference serves as a platform for advancing practical solutions that facilitate trade, strengthen connectivity, and support the gradual integration of CEFTA Parties into the EU Single Market.
The opening session highlighted the importance of continued cooperation, digital transformation, and joint efforts to build a more connected and resilient regional market.






📍The CEFTA Secretariat participated in the WB6 Joint Working Group on Investment (JWGI) meeting in Vienna, organised by ...
10/06/2026

📍The CEFTA Secretariat participated in the WB6 Joint Working Group on Investment (JWGI) meeting in Vienna, organised by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the World Bank Group, with the support of the European Commission.

🤝 Discussions focused on advancing key investment-related initiatives under the Common Regional Market (CRM) Action Plan 2025–2028, including the development of the Regional Investment Facilitation Roadmap, green investment incentives, investment promotion activities, and other measures aimed at strengthening the regional investment ecosystem.

📈 For CEFTA, the Regional Investment Facilitation Roadmap is of particular importance as it may provide a basis for future discussions on the development of a CEFTA framework for investment facilitation, as envisaged under the Common Regional Market and modelled on the WTO Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement.

🌍 CEFTA remains committed to supporting practical and business-oriented reforms that enhance transparency, predictability and efficiency for investors, while contributing to regional economic integration and supporting the EU accession path of CEFTA Parties.

🛒 E-commerce can only grow when consumers trust it.For online trade to work across CEFTA, consumers need to know that bu...
09/06/2026

🛒 E-commerce can only grow when consumers trust it.

For online trade to work across CEFTA, consumers need to know that buying from another CEFTA Party is simple, safe and supported.

That means clear information.
That means practical advice.
That also means knowing where to turn when something goes wrong.

This is why consumer protection is an important part of building the Common Regional Market. It helps create confidence, supports traders, and makes e-commerce a more reliable channel for growth.

Last week in Montenegro, the CEFTA Consumer Protection Expert Group discussed the next steps for making this cooperation more practical.

The focus was on:
✅ implementing CEFTA Joint Committee Decision No. 2/2024 on the Facilitation of E-commerce
✅ advancing consumer protection activities under the Common Regional Market
✅ developing a future network of Consumer Protection Centres within CEFTA
✅ learning from the experience of ECC-Net, BEUC, ECC Poland, ECC Croatia and ECC Moldova
✅ exploring practical solutions for inter-party disputes and alternative dispute resolution

The goal is clear: to make sure that consumers are better informed, better supported and more confident when buying online across CEFTA.

Stronger consumer protection means stronger trust.
Stronger trust means stronger e-commerce.
And stronger e-commerce means more confidence for people, more opportunities for businesses, and another step forward towards the EU.

🤝 The meeting was jointly organised by the CEFTA Secretariat and the EU4Trade project, implemented by and co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Government.

Transforming Agricultural Trade in the CEFTA Region!Yesterday in Skopje, we successfully hosted the 26th CEFTA Subcommit...
05/06/2026

Transforming Agricultural Trade in the CEFTA Region!

Yesterday in Skopje, we successfully hosted the 26th CEFTA Subcommittee on Agriculture and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Issues, under the Chairmanship of North Macedonia!

Agriculture accounts for nearly 28% of all intra-CEFTA exports, reaching €2.36 billion in 2024 representing a massive 64% increase since 2019. To keep this momentum going, alignment and modernized trade systems are imperative for making cooperation in this sector absolutely vital for our regional economy.

Under the leadership of North Macedonia , we are turning strategic goals into practical benefits for farmers, traders, and consumers.

What did we achieve and what progress we are celebrating?

🤝 Consider Smoother Trade in Agriculture produces from animal origin & Live Animals: We are advancing a new Draft Decision to eliminate duplicative paperwork, align with EU standards, and mutually recognize authorized food-producing establishments.

🍏 Accelerating Fruit & Vegetable Trade: We are fast-tracking the full implementation of Decision 1/2020 and establishing a technical Working Group on Phytosanitary and Food Safety Issues to clear administrative hurdles.

💻 Digital Evolution: Over 12,500 phytosanitary and 14,700 veterinary certificates have already been digitally exchanged in real-time this year alone! We are also preparing to pilot fully electronic certificates.

🚨 Rapid Alert Notification: We are rolling out a notification system (similar to the EU's RASFF) to exchange instant safety info on non-compliant food and plant shipments, heavily reinforcing consumer protection.

📊 Upgraded Agriculture Statistics: A brand-new Statistical Portal is launching this summer, boosting data transparency and helping us make better, evidence-based trade policies.

Together, we are making agricultural trade faster, safer, and highly competitive.

On behalf of the Chairperson, we would like to extend our thank you to the representatives of the CEFTA Parties for their commitment as well as ENEST, SANTE, , and the CEFTA Secretariat for their support!”

Transforming Agricultural Trade in the CEFTA Region!Yesterday in Skopje, we successfully hosted the 26th CEFTA Subcommit...
05/06/2026

Transforming Agricultural Trade in the CEFTA Region!

Yesterday in Skopje, we successfully hosted the 26th CEFTA Subcommittee on Agriculture and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Issues, under the Chairmanship of North Macedonia!

Agriculture accounts for nearly 28% of all intra-CEFTA exports, reaching €2.36 billion in 2024 representing a massive 64% increase since 2019. To keep this momentum going, alignment and modernized trade systems are imperative for making cooperation in this sector absolutely vital for our regional economy.

Under the leadership of North Macedonia , we are turning strategic goals into practical benefits for farmers, traders, and consumers.

What did we achieve and what progress we are celebrating?

🤝 Consider Smoother Trade in Agriculture produces from animal origin & Live Animals: We are advancing a new Draft Decision to eliminate duplicative paperwork, align with EU standards, and mutually recognize authorized food-producing establishments.

🍏 Accelerating Fruit & Vegetable Trade: We are fast-tracking the full implementation of Decision 1/2020 and establishing a technical Working Group on Phytosanitary and Food Safety Issues to clear administrative hurdles.

💻 Digital Evolution: Over 12,500 phytosanitary and 14,700 veterinary certificates have already been digitally exchanged in real-time this year alone! We are also preparing to pilot fully electronic certificates.

🚨 Rapid Alert Notification: We are rolling out a notification system (similar to the EU's RASFF) to exchange instant safety info on non-compliant food and plant shipments, heavily reinforcing consumer protection.

📊 Upgraded Agriculture Statistics: A brand-new Statistical Portal is launching this summer, boosting data transparency and helping us make better, evidence-based trade policies.

Together, we are making agricultural trade faster, safer, and highly competitive.

On behalf of the Chairperson, we would like to extend our thank you to the representatives of the CEFTA Parties for their commitment as well as ENEST, SANTE, , and the CEFTA Secretariat for their support!”

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