Ambassadors representing the European Union’s member states convened at the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) in Brussels, but failed to approve the commencement of Chapter III negotiations with Serbia. The matter pertains to a non-official document issued by the European Commission, which advises initiating these negotiations as part of Serbia’s accession process. Previously, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, had addressed this recommendation.
According to diplomatic sources, a significant number of EU member states voiced opposition to advancing this stage in Serbia’s integration with the European Union. The dissenting countries identified include the Netherlands, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Sweden, and the three Baltic states: Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. The inability of the COREPER to reach a consensus on the opening of Chapter III negotiations indicates continued division among the member states regarding the next steps for Serbia within the European framework.
The discussion centers on the formal procedures required for advancing Serbia’s candidacy status. This outcome suggests that the path toward the opening of Chapter III negotiations remains stalled, despite recommendations from the European Commission. The differing views among key member states complicate the process, highlighting the internal divisions within the European Union concerning the pace and scope of Serbia’s accession trajectory.
Topics: #european #opening #chapter
