The Council of the EU will accept the European Commission's assessment that Serbia is ready for Cluster 3 and will consider opening it on the basis of further progress, in particular in the area of rule of law and normalisation of relations with Kosovo.
The EU General Affairs Council will adopt conclusions on enlargement on 17 December.
On 13th of December, EU member states failed to reach an agreement on opening Cluster 3 in negotiations with Serbia, but talks on this issue will continue, although very little time remains for a decision.
The document welcomes the confirmation of EU integration as a strategic objective for Serbia and underlines the importance of demonstrating strong political will and consistency in reforms.
It also welcomed Serbia's good level of preparedness for the development of a functional market economy, enhanced cooperation with the EU and its significant contribution to the management of mixed migration flows to the Union.
Belgrade is once again called upon to harmonise its foreign policy, notably by introducing sanctions against Russia and Belarus. | BGNES
