Tensions grow over Serbian accession talks

EurActiv and other media sources reported in April 2016 on Croatia's veto to the opening of Chapter 23 relating to judiciary and fundamental rights in Serbia's EU accession negotiations.

Member states agreed on 8 April to the opening of Chapter 24, concerning justice, freedom and security. However, Croatian officials required Serbia to meet several condtions before they could agree with the other chapter.

These additional conditions should include the annulment of jurisdiction for the processing of war crimes in the territory of the entire former Yugoslavia, guarantees that the Croatian minority will be automatically represented in the Serbian Parliament, and cooperation with the Hague tribunal.

The situation was seen as heightening tensions between the two countries, which had already cooled in the previous months. Serbia believed that Croatia's demands were bilateral issues that should not be resolved in the context of relations with the European Union.

On 10 May, Serbia’s chief negotiator called on the European Union to continue accession talks in June as planned, criticising the opposition from Croatia.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Accession conference with Serbia: First two chapters opened http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-accession-conference-with-serbia-first-two-chapters-opened/

ESO: Background information: 2015: Serbia opens its first negotiation chapters http://www.europeansources.info/record/2015-serbia-opens-its-first-negotiation-chapters/

EUObserver, 12.04.16: Croatia veto on Serbia's EU talks causes surprise https://euobserver.com/enlargement/133004

B92, 12.04.16: Serbian PM, Croatian president have 'good conversation' http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2016&mm=04&dd=12&nav_id=97669

Total Croatia News, 09.04.16: Serbia Shocked with Croatia's Decision to Block EU Accession Negotiations https://www.total-croatia-news.com/politics/11325-serbia-shocked-with-croatia-s-decision-to-block-eu-accession-negotiations

Balkan Insight, 07.04.16: Croatia Stalls Serbia’s EU Negotiations http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/croatia-stalls-serbia-s-negotiation-chapters-opening-04-07-2016-1

ESO: Background information: Croatia assumes a tougher stance towards Serbia http://www.europeansources.info/record/croatia-assumes-a-tougher-stance-towards-serbia/

EUObserver, 29.04.16: War crimes law poisons Serbia accession talks https://euobserver.com/enlargement/133273

EurActiv, 11.05.16: Serbia seeks more EU accession talks despite Croatia opposition http://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/serbia-seeks-more-eu-accession-talks-despite-croatia-opposition/

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