BRUSSELS – Croatia has given its approval in writing for the opening of Chapter 23 in Serbia’s EU entry negotiations, diplomatic sources told Tanjug.
This clears the way for the opening of Chapters 23 and 24 on the rule of law by the end of June.
The formal decision is due to be delivered in a meeting of ambassadors of EU member states, as the Dutch presidency has put the issue on the agenda.
Croatia was insisting on the fulfilment of its conditions for the opening of the chapters for a long time, while the remaining 27 member states have already given the green light.
Ambassadorial meeting under way, talks set to be unblocked
BRUSSELS – A meeting of ambassadors of EU member states is underway in Brussels, with the issue of opening Chapter 23 in Serbia’s EU accession talks also on the agenda.
Diplomatic sources in Brussels have told Tanjug that Croatia has submitted a written consent and that the member states should on Wednesday reach the consensus required to open the chapter.
The Netherlands, which holds the EU presidency, had included opening Chapter 23 in the agenda of the meeting.
Sources in the Dutch presidency told Tanjug that they hope that constructive work on opening chapters 23 and 24 will lead to concrete results.
Croatia had made its consent conditional on its demands being met, while the remaining 27 member states gave the green light.
An agreement on common positions on opening the chapter would enable EU institutions to continue the preparations for a formal opening of Chapters 23 and 24 in the accession talks with Serbia.
Brussels expects the chapters to be opened by the end of June, as planned by the Dutch presidency.