The opinion on Serbia's EU membership application has not been completed yet, an official of the European Commission stated in Brussels on Oct. 5, adding that he could hardly imagine the Commission opposing the granting of candidate status to Serbia.

Asked whether Serbia could also expect the setting of the date for the start of membership talks, the official of the Directorate for Enlargement, who wished to remain anonymous, said that it was important that Serbia returns to the negotiating table in the dialog with Pristina.

"It is very important that Serbia returns to the negotiating table in the dialog with Kosovo. This will be important for the ministers' decision in December," he said.

He also said that the way in which Serbia approached Kosovo was very important, and that Belgrade should try to return to the dialog with Pristina by December.

The official recalled that, on Oct. 12, the Commission will announce its opinion, which represents a proposal to the member states, but that they are the ones to decide in the end.