The Western Balkans is speedily heading towards the EU integration regardless of its unfinished business, it was stated at the hearing before the U.S. Senat Committee on Foreign Affairs, with the remark that the disagreement between Serbia and the U.S. on Kosovo issue does not jeopardize Belgrade's EU aspirations.

The dream of a united Europe will not be a reality without Serbia, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen has stated, while opening a hearing entitled Unfinished business in Southeast Europe: Opportunities and Challenges in the Western Balkans.

The diagreement on northern Kosovo should not hinder the EU integration perspective. When the ICJ gives its opinion on the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo, foundations should be laid for a creative, pragmatic and sustainable solution between Kosovo and Serbia, Shaheen said.

U.S. Senator George Voinovich pointed to a significant progress of the region, adding that there are yet more challenges, one of which is the intense situation in northern Kosovo. Shaheen and Voinovich, who visited the Western Balkans in February as part of the U.S. Congress delegation, stated their extremely favourable impressions from the visit.