EU Council Conclusions on the Western Balkans

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"SERBIA

The Council welcomes the arrest of Radovan Karadzic, who is indicted by the ICTY for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. This development illustrates the commitment of the new government in Belgrade to contribute to peace and stability in the Balkans regions. It is a significant step on Serbia's path towards the EU.

The Council encourages the Serbian government to continue along that path.

The Council draws attention to the European Council conclusions of 19 and 20 June 2008, which state that Serbia can accelerate its progress towards the EU, including candidate status, as soon as all the necessary conditions are met.

The Council also encourages the new Serb government to maintain positive relations with the European Union and its Member States and to take a constructive approach towards the EU's efforts to contribute to peace and stability in the Balkan region.

The Council also reiterates its attachment to dialogue on visa liberalisation with Serbia and calls on the new government to focus on full implementation of the criteria set out in the road map."

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• "The EU and the Western Balkans: the Critical Year of 2009" - Speech by EU Commissioner Rehn (18/9/2008)
• EU General Affairs and External Relations Council Conclusions (22/7/2008)
• EUHR Solana welcomes the arrest of Radovan Karadzic (22/7/2008)
• EU Commission President Barroso on Arrest of Radovan Karadzic (21/7/2008)
• "With patience and determination the EU can steer progress in the Western Balkans" - Speech by EU Commissioner Rehn (24/6/2008)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Western Balkans (16/6/2008)
• EUHR Solana congratulates Serbian people on peaceful conduct of Parliamentary elections (12/5/2008)