European Commissioner Stephan Fuehle said in Brussels on Oct. 12 that the date for the start of membership negotiations with Belgrade will be fixed when relations with Kosovo are "normalized," but stressed that Pristina must also present a comprehensive strategy for the north of Kosovo.

Fuehle estimated that the "further integration of the Serbs in the south" had progressed," although tension in the north had grown. "It is of the utmost importance for Kosovo to start a comprehensive program for the north," Fuehle added.

Asked why the Commission had not mentioned the issue of "Serb structures in the north" in the report on Kosovo, which might have been opposed by some EU members, Fuehle replied that he completely believed that the EC recommendations fully reflect what the EU members wish to see.

Fuehle explained that this meant that the process of normalization must be accomplished during the membership negotiations.

"Does this mean that we can accomplish everything at the start of this procedure - I do not believe so," Fuehle said, adding that all these sensitive and important issues must not be left for the end of Serbia's admission into the EU.