CEFTA

Section A of Chapter VI of the CEFTA 2006 ‘Services’ outlines a framework for liberalising trade in services among CEFTA Parties.

Under Article 27 of the CEFTA 2006, the CEFTA Parties committed to “gradually develop and broaden their co-operation with the aim of achieving a progressive liberalisation and mutual opening of their services markets, in the context of European integration, taking into account the relevant provisions of the GATS and commitments entered into under GATS by Parties being WTO members”.

While the CEFTA 2006 does not mandate specific liberalisation measures, it encourages CEFTA Parties to work towards a progressive liberalisation of trade in services, taking into account their individual commitments under the GATS.

The CEFTA 2006 also recognises the importance of electronic commerce and promotes cooperation in addressing the regulatory challenges associated with it (Article 28 of the CEFTA 2006). The CEFTA Joint Committee is given a crucial role in reviewing progress and initiating negotiations for deeper liberalisation if appropriate (Article 29 of the CEFTA 2006).