European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek in Belgrade on Nov. 3 said that thanks to reforms Serbia has come considerably closer to the EU, but he stressed that in order to continue EU integrations, Belgrade needs to normalize relations with Kosovo.

"You are very close to obtaining candidate status and to the launch of accession talks. It is crucial that you take steps in the normalization of relations with Kosovo. That is a condition. That is not easy," Buzek said at a special parliament session.

He further said that all sides must work on alleviating the tension in northern Kosovo and expressed concern over the events at the administrative checkpoint Jarinje, where more than 20 people, including KFOR members, were injured in late September.

Buzek added that it is necessary to reach a concrete agreement in the dialog with Pristina and fulfill four items agreed in the talks - freedom of movement, the cadastre, birth registry and the customs stamp.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic, Buzek said that thanks to the implemented reforms, Serbia has come considerably closer to the EU, adding that the enlargement process will continue as it is in the interest of all EU members.

Buzek also met with President Boris Tadic and took part in a debate with students and representatives of political parties' youth.