Serbia ‘Shocked’ After EU Keeps Rule-of-Law Entry Talks Closed
- Foreign minister calls decision "shameful, humiliating”
- Labor minister says Serbia should rethink EU orientation
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Serbia expressed anger after the European Union refused to open accession negotiations on rule-of-law issues, even as the bloc advanced talks with fellow membership candidates Montenegro and Turkey.
Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic lambasted the decision as “shameful, incomprehensible and humiliating” and said it was “a result of the political intention to halt or slow down Serbia’s European path,” according to an e-mailed statement. Dacic said he’ll advise Premier Aleksandar Vucic to “hold urgent consultations” before the prime minister visits Paris for a meeting of Balkan leaders on July 4. Vucic will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. on Friday, his office said.