Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt stated in Belgrade on Wednesday that Serbia has made great progress in the EU integration process although there are still some unresolved issues.

Although certain issues are still unresolved, Serbia's progress will be much appreciated, Bildt said at a press conference after a meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic.

Bildt expressed hope that fast progress will be made in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and formation of a new government after the Kosovo elections scheduled for December 12.

The Serbian minister said that Serbia expects to get the EU candidacy status in the next year.

According to Jeremic, the next year, although economically difficult, will be crucial for Serbia's EU integration process. Jeremic said that Serbia and Sweden see eye to eye regarding the country's EU integration process, and thanked for the support that Stockholm offers to Serbia and other Western Balkan countries on their EU path.