BRUSSELS – There was once again no consensus among EU member countries on Wednesday regarding the initiation of negotiations with Serbia in cluster 3, which encompasses eight chapters, according to diplomatic sources.
The Hungarian presidency put the matter of opening cluster 3—focusing on competitiveness and inclusive growth—on the agenda for the meeting of member state ambassadors on Wednesday. This cluster comprises eight chapters: digital transformation and media, taxation, economic and monetary policy, social policy and employment, entrepreneurship and industrial policy, science and research, education and culture, and customs union. Serbia has already opened five of these chapters prior to the change in negotiation methodology, which was adopted in early 2020. This methodology now allows for multiple connected chapters to be addressed within six thematic clusters.
“There is no progress; we remain where we were last week,” a diplomatic source informed Hina.
Last week, eight countries, including Croatia, expressed objections to the Hungarian presidency’s proposal to initiate discussions on that cluster. The primary concerns center around Serbia’s refusal to impose sanctions against Russia, its lack of alignment with the EU’s foreign policy, issues related to the rule of law, and the situation in the media.
Prior to last week’s meeting, Serbia presented an unofficial document to member states outlining the steps it plans to take in order to gain approval for opening that cluster. However, several countries indicated that progress could not be achieved based solely on the commitments mentioned in that document.
The Hungarian presidency, which is advocating strongly for Serbia, has announced its intention to make another attempt to secure approval for opening the cluster next week.
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