EC to target accession of Serbia, Montenegro with 2025 perspective

The strategy will have a particular emphasis on the rule of law, fundamental rights, the fight against corruption and on the overall stability of the region, the Commission said in a letter of intent to the European Parliament president Antonio Tajani dated September 13.

Serbia and Montenegro are front-runner candidates in the Western Balkans, the Commission said in the letter and posted on the website of the EU executive body.

Earlier this month, Serbian prime minister Ana Brnabic said Serbia will be ready to join the EU in 2020. 

Belgrade has so far started talks on ten of the 35 chapters of EU law and has closed negotiations on two - Chapter 25 - Science & Research and Chapter 26 - Education & Culture.

Montenegro has started talks on 28 out of the 35 chapters of EU body of law and has provisionally closed negotiations on three, namely Chapter 30 - External Relations, Chapter 25 - Science & Research and Chapter 26 - Education & Culture.