Resolution on the European integration process of Serbia

The Council adopted conclusions in which it recalls the Commission’s Opinion of October 2011 on Serbia’s application for membership and the Council conclusions of 5 December 2011. In accordance with the European Council conclusions of 9 December 2011, the Council has examined and confirmed that Serbia has continued to show credible commitment and achieved further progress in moving forward with the implementation in good faith of agreements reached in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue including on IBM, has reached an agreement on inclusive regional cooperation and has actively cooperated to enable EULEX and KFOR to execute their mandates.

In the light of its examination, the Council recommends granting Serbia candidate status and looks forward to the confirmation of this decision by the March European Council.

As regards Kosovo, the Council recalls its conclusions of 5 December 2011. Without prejudice to Member States' position on status, or any future decisions to be taken by the Council, the Council takes note of the intention of the Commission to launch a feasibility study for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo.

The Council urges both sides to continue to take forward the implementation of all the agreements reached to date.