EU member-states have given their consent to close two chapters in Croatia’s admission negotiations, EU sources say. The chapters on the freedom to provide services and social politics and employment will be formally closed at the inter-governmental conference for EU admission, which will be held at the ministerial level in …

Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci stated that the process of recognizing Kosovo independence would continue. He said that there would be even more recognitions because of the debate before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague that was held regarding Kosovo’s unilateral independence declaration.

Serbia’s Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić said Thursday that Serbia has “never moved faster towards the EU than in 2009”. Speaking during a humanitarian New Year’s reception organized by the Foreign Ministry, he reiterated that EU membership was one of the Serbian government’s priorities.