EU to start accession talks with Serbia early next year

European leaders on Friday decided to open accession negotiations with Serbia in January 2014, according to an official statement following a two-day European Council summit. The leaders endorsed the conclusions and recommendations made by the General Affairs Council, and by the end of this year, they will confirm the negotiating framework with Serbia. Meanwhile, a decision authorizing the opening of negotiations on a Stabilization and Association Agreement between the EU and Kosovo has also been adopted. The moves are seen as a milestone in the EU's enlargement in the western Balkan region. Croatia will also join the EU on July 1. President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy hailed Friday's decision as "a historic moment for the Balkans and for Europe as a whole." Rompuy will attend the Croatian accession ceremony in Zagreb on Sunday, followed by visits to Pristina and Belgrade early next week. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also welcomed the start of negotiations with Serbia. "Let's not forget what happened not so long ago in that part of Europe with one of the most violent wars we saw and now we will start negotiations with Serbia," he added. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the EU's enlargement in the west Balkans showed how much can be achieved through reform and dialogue. "I look forward to the consistent implementation of the EU-facilitated agreement between Belgrade and Pristina," said Rasmussen. "This is a time of great opportunity for the whole region. I encourage all leaders and all communities to continue on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration," he added. He said the NATO peacekeeping forces in Kosovo would continue to play its role in ensuring a safe and secure environment in the region. Kosovo, a Serbian province, unilaterally declared independence in 2008. Serbia refuses to recognize Kosovo as an independent country, however, it must normalize relations with Kosovo in order to join the EU. Belgrade and Pristina initiated a historic deal to normalize ties in April.