| Author (Person) | Rettman, Andrew |
|---|---|
| Series Title | EUObserver |
| Series Details | 19.04.13 |
| Publication Date | 19/04/2013 |
| Content Type | News |
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Serbia and its former province of Kosovo initialled an EU-brokered accord ( First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalisation of Relations ) on the 19 April 2013 aimed at normalising relations between the Balkan neighbours. Under the deal, Serbs in northern Kosovo will have their own police and appeal court. Both sides also agreed to not block each others efforts to seek EU membership. The EU has said it would open EU membership talks with Serbia if the country relinquished its de facto control over northern Kosovo. The agreement did not cover the issue of the formal recognition of Kosovo as an independent country by Serbia. All parties would still have to formally sign the agreement in the coming days. On the 22 April 2013 the European Commission adopted a proposal that would allow Kosovo to participate in EU programmes. If the Council agrees, and once the agreement is signed by both sides, Kosovo would be able to participate in 22 EU programmes. Other countries that are part of the European Union's Stabilisation and Association Process already have such agreements in place. In addition, the European Commission recommended to EU member states that negotiations be opened with Serbia on EU accession, and with Kosovo on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. Kosovo's parliament endorsed the deal late on the 21 August 2013 by 89 votes to seven. Serbia's Cabinet approved the EU-brokered deal on the 22 April 2013. A parliamentary vote was still pending, but approval was considered secure. However, some in Belgrade and Pristina disapproved. |
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| Source Link | http://euobserver.com/enlargement/119873 |
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| Countries / Regions | Europe, Kosovo, Serbia, Southeastern Europe |
