For the first time since Kosovo's 2008 independence Serbia allowed Kosovans with documents issued by the government in Pristina, which Belgrade does not recognise, to enter its territory Monday.

The breakthrough is part of a deal on freedom of movement reached in EU-brokered talks between Pristina and Belgrade that was officially implemented Monday.

"I went to Serbia this morning without problems with my identity card. I only needed to pay a fee for my car insurance," Kosovo Albanian Adem Bejiqi told AFP at the Merdare crossing between Kosovo and Serbia.

Under the deal Kosovans who have documents issued by the Republic of Kosovo, which is the case for the overwhelming majority of Kosovo Albanians, can get temporary Serbian identity documents and car registration allowing them to travel in Serbia.

Previously they could not use the shortest route through Serbia on their way to Western Europe.

Kosovans with vehicles registered by Pristina have to pay 60 euros ($79) for temporary insurance and another four euros a day for temporary Serbian licence plates.

Similar rates apply for Serbs entering Kosovo.

"It was time to allow us freedom of movement but the authorities are picking our pockets and our wallets," Serbian Djura Stankovic, 45, a businessman from Zrenjanin in northern Serbia, fumed.

Brussels is insisting that Belgrade improves its troubled relations with Pristina as a condition to allowing it to officially become an EU candidate.