Serbia heading toward opening three new chapters next week

BRUSSELS - Two thirds of EU member states, including Germany, have to date consented to the opening of Chapters 25 and 26 in Serbia's accession talks, Tanjug has learned.

Intensive discussions are underway with member states that have objected to the text of a European Commission-proposed common negotiation position, whose coordination would formally clear the way for opening the two chapters - related to science, education and research - at a December 13 inter-governmental conference in Brussels along with Chapter 5 (public procurement).

Tanjug's diplomatic sources in Brussels have said a consensus of the 28 EU member states on opening all three chapters was expected by that date.

Croatia, Romania and, to a degree, Bulgaria, want a "stronger wording" of the common negotiating position regarding the position of ethnic minorities in Serbia's education...