Council of EU calls on Belgrade, Pristina to engage in dialogue

BRUSSELS - The Council of the EU on Tuesday called on Belgrade and Pristina to engage in dialogue without delay, respect and implement all previous agreements from the dialogue and refrain from unilateral and provocative actions that could lead to tensions and violence.

In conclusions adopted in Brussels, the Council said it expected both sides to engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue in good faith and in the spirit of compromise to reach a comprehensive legally-binding agreement on normalisation of relations in line with international law and the EU acquis.

It said the agreement should address all open issues and contribute to regional stability, and noted that this was crucial for progress of Serbia and the so-called Kosovo on their European paths.

In the document, the Council also expressed deep regret over Serbia's regression on the EU's common foreign and security policy, in particular when it comes to sanctions on Russia and Belarus, as well as over its foreign policy actions that were contrary to the joint EU approach.

It said it expected Serbia to step up its alignment with the EU's common foreign and security positions and restrictive measures as a top priority issue.

The document also reiterates that Serbia needs to continue to align with the EU visa policy.

The conclusions are due to be adopted by EU leaders at a December 15 summit in Brussels.