New EU negotiations chapters to open on December 11

The intergovernmental conference at which Serbia will open new chapters in the negotiations with the EU will be held on December 11, RTS learns in Brussels, but there is still no agreement as to whether two or three chapters which are technically prepared will be opened. The crucial factor in this decision will be the assessment by the member-states regarding Serbia’s progress in the field of rule of law, which is to be made based on the relevant report prepared by the European Commission.

In the report which covers the period of the past six months, the EC gives a detailed presentation as to whether the measures from the action plan for chapters 23 and 24, adopted by the Government of Serbia, were fulfilled and when.

According to the diplomatic sources in Brussels, certain member-states, among them the most influential ones, believe that the report cites, aside from the progress realized in the past half-year period, certain delays in implementing the action plan for chapters 23 and 24 as well, which will influence their decision on the number of chapters opened.

The debate so far has shown that the opening of chapters 6 and 30 could be expected on December 11, whereas the opening of chapter 33 is not certain for the time being.

The discussion will continue throughout the next week, the diplomatic sources claim.

According to the rules from the negotiation framework for Serbia, progress in all chapters depends on the progress in the field of rule of law (chapters 23 and 24) and the normalization of relations with Pristina (chapter 35).

It is for this reason that the member-states have asked to see the EC report before agreeing to have chapters 6 (company law), 30 (external relations) and 33 (financial and budgetary provisions) opened.

In addition to these three chapters, Serbia has also prepared and submitted its negotiation positions for chapters 13 (fisheries) and 9 (financial services) to Brussels.

So far, Serbia has opened ten of the 35 chapters, two of which were closed.

The chronology of chapter opening in the negotiations with the EU

June 20, 2017 – Chapter 7 (Intellectual Property Law) and Chapter 29 (Customs Union)

February 27, 2017 – Chapter 20 (Enterprise and Industrial Policy) and Chapter 26 (Education and Culture)

December 13, 2016 – Chapter 5 (Public Procurement) and Chapter 25 (Science and Research)

July 18, 2016 – Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security)

December 14, 2015 – Chapter 32 (Financial Control) and Chapter 35 (Relations with Kosovo)

January 21, 2014 – The first intergovernmental conference between Serbia and the EU takes place, thereby marking the beginning of the accession negotiations on the political level.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION Bruxelles

Vlada Republike Srbije

European Commission

opening new chapters in EU negotiations

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 6

Chapter 34

Chapter 33

rule of law

Chapter 13

Chapter 9

Chapter 7

Chapter 20

Chapter 5

Chapter 32