More EU countries believe that Serbia does not meet the conditions for new chapters

“`html

BRUSSELS – Among the member countries, there was once again no consensus on Wednesday to open negotiations with Serbia in cluster 3, which includes eight chapters, according to diplomatic sources.

The Hungarian presidency once again placed the issue of opening cluster 3 – competitiveness and inclusive growth on the agenda of the meeting of member state ambassadors on Wednesday. This cluster includes eight chapters: digital transformation and media; taxation; economic and monetary policy; social policy and employment, entrepreneurship and industrial policy; science and research; education and culture; customs union. Out of these eight chapters, Serbia has already opened five before the change in the negotiation methodology. The new methodology was adopted at the beginning of 2020 and provides that instead of individual chapters, several connected in six clusters, six thematic units, are opened.

“There is no progress, we are where we were last week,” a diplomatic source told Hina.

Last week, eight countries, including Croatia, had objections to the proposal of the Hungarian presidency to open that cluster. The main reasons for this are Serbia’s refusal to impose sanctions against Russia and align itself with the EU’s foreign policy, rule of law, and the situation in the media.

Before last week’s meeting, Serbia shared an unofficial document with the member states, listing steps it intends to take to gain approval for opening that cluster. Several countries said that progress could not be made based on the promises outlined in that document. (December 4, 2024)

The Hungarian presidency, which is strongly pushing for Serbia, announces that it will again attempt to gain approval to open that cluster next week.

“`