First Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dacic stated in Brussels today following a meeting with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule that Serbia can expect to be granted EU candidate status in December provided the active dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina continues.

Dacic told the press that there is a positive stance in the European Commission concerning Serbia’s EU candidate status, adding that it is important that Belgrade wishes to continue dialogue with Pristina and implement agreements that have already been reached.

However, he underlined that EU members who are in favour of Serbia’s EU candidate status must be given certain practical arguments to support their stance when the time for the decision comes.

Namely, it is important to implement the agreements reached between Belgrade and Pristina, along with systemic laws and reforms, Dacic explained, noting that it should be reiterated that implementation of these agreements does not mean an indirect recognition of the self-proclaimed independence of Kosovo.

Dacic observed that Serbia should make a clear statement about what can be implemented and what is not in line with its national and state interests and the Serbian Constitution.

The First Deputy Prime Minister noted that the days ahead will be decisive when it comes to the EU’s final stance towards granting Serbia candidate status.

He said that the EU thinks highly of Serbia’s struggle against organised crime and corruption, and that it expects Serbia to be even more active in this respect because the issue of interior affairs and the judiciary will be of key importance in upcoming talks.

Dacic met with heads of several caucuses in the European Parliament who expressed a high level of understanding for the Serbian position and support to its EU path.