Serbia's application to be examined

On 25 October, the General Affairs Council asked the Commission to present its opinion on the merits of Serbia's application to join the European Union. However, the country's progression towards the EU remains conditional on full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

Belgrade
© European Union

While reaffirming that the future of the Western Balkans lies in the EU, ministers called for a constructive approach to regional cooperation and progress in the process of dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. This dialogue is to be facilitated by the EU and its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Serbia's cooperation with the ICTY will continue to be closely monitored by the Council and ministers called upon Serbia to implement recommendations presented by the ICTY office of the prosecutor.

A country's headway towards EU accession depends on its individual efforts to fulfil a set of requirements known as the Copenhagen criteria. These include, for instance, stable democratic institutions and a functioning market economy.

Serbia applied for EU membership in December 2009. The decision to launch negotiations has to be taken by EU heads of state and government.

More information:
Press release (pdf)
Webcast of press conference