The Democratic Party of Serbia and the Serbian Radical Party on Oct. 12 described the European Commission's recommendation as the definite defeat of the ruling coalition and still more blackmail for Serbia to recognize Kosovo independence.

"This is definitely the defeat of this cabinet's policy - both foreign and domestic...A policy that has constantly been submissive to the EU instead of talking to it as a real partner," Democratic Party of Serbia MP Zoran Sami told the press.

Serbian Radical Party deputy leader Dragan Todorovic said "the EU has never cared about Serbia. The EU's goal is to completely dismantle Serbia. This is an act of humiliating Serbia and it is visible in every sentence. This is blackmail and I believe it is clear to everyone," Todorovic said.

Serbian Progressive Party leader Tomislav Nikolic said the recommendation was very important as the basic precondition for overall economic development.

Liberal Democratic Party leader Cedomir Jovanovic said the Commission's assessment was expected as the condition for obtaining the status of a candidate country and the date for opening membership talks was clear - the completion of the Belgrade-Pristina talks.