On October 9, 2024, the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) marked a significant milestone in regional economic cooperation by adopting nine groundbreaking agreements. These new measures are set to transform trade, create jobs, and enhance consumer rights across the CEFTA region, which includes seven markets working closely to align with European Union standards.
This development comes just ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process, underlying CEFTA’s commitment to building a Common Regional Market. The agreements are rooted in EU rules and best practices, bringing CEFTA members closer to the EU Single Market and supporting the EU’s New Growth Plan.
Danijela Gačević, Acting Director at the CEFTA Secretariat, emphasized the importance of these decisions, stating that they will empower small and medium-sized businesses, facilitate digital market access, and provide consumers with more choices, better prices, and stronger protections.
Key Highlights of the 9 Agreements
The new agreements cover a wide range of areas, each designed to deliver tangible benefits:
- Recognition of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programs: Businesses with customs benefits in their home countries will now enjoy these privileges across all CEFTA markets, resulting in faster and more cost-effective customs procedures.
- Facilitation of E-Commerce: A unified framework will allow businesses to sell online seamlessly throughout the region, while consumers will benefit from enhanced protections when shopping online.
- Parcel Delivery: New rules will simplify parcel delivery between CEFTA members, ensuring regulatory control and introducing EU standards for price transparency and service quality.
- Prevention of Unjustified Geo-Blocking: Online shops will no longer be able to block access to products or services based on a consumer’s location, enabling unrestricted shopping across CEFTA markets.
- Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Harmonized IPR standards will protect businesses and consumers from counterfeit goods, fostering innovation and market safety.
- Electronic System for Risk Management: The introduction of electronic data exchange will help customs authorities target high-risk shipments more effectively, improving security and speeding up trade.
- Facilitation of Trade in Services by Travel Agencies and Tour Operators: Travel agencies and tour operators will have easier access to all CEFTA markets, boosting tourism and business opportunities.
- Dispute Settlement Mechanism (Additional Protocol 7): A new mechanism will ensure fairness and transparency in resolving trade disputes, increasing business confidence.
- Facilitation of Motor Third-Party Liability Insurance: Simplified insurance processes will allow travelers to drive across CEFTA countries without concerns about coverage.
Additionally, the CEFTA Joint Committee adopted three agreements to reform its internal operations, including new rules of procedure, updated governance for the Secretariat, and the creation of new bodies to oversee cooperation in areas like parcel delivery, intellectual property, and professional qualifications.
These agreements represent a decisive step toward a more integrated and dynamic regional market, promising substantial benefits for businesses and consumers alike.
For more details, you can read the full announcement on the official CEFTA website: CEFTA Adopts 9 New Agreements to Boost Trade, Jobs, and Consumer Rights Across the Region
