EU Council of Ministers presiding official Carl Bildt and EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn in Strasbourg on Nov. 25 said that Serbia has progressed well in the implementation of the trade agreement with the EU, stressing that the EU and Belgrade should enter "a new phase of cooperation."

Speaking about the EU Enlargement Strategy before the European Parliament, Bildt said it is very important that the upcoming report by Hague tribunal Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz show his satisfaction with Belgrade's efforts in cooperation with the tribunal.

Rehn and Bildt confirmed the EU's resolve to admit the Western Balkan countries, strictly respecting the required membership criteria.

The European Parliament is expected to adopt the Enlargement Strategy. Speaking about the document, drawn up by the European Commission, Rehn stressed that "there is some good news from Serbia."

"Belgrade has proved its commitment to its integration with the EU and not only through its unilateral implementation of the interim trade deal with the EU," Rehn said, stressing he assumes that "the Hague tribunal should be pleased with Serbia's efforts."

Rehn went on to say he agrees with the suggestions in the Enlargement Strategy for unblocking the interim trade deal and "moving on to the next phase on the country's European path."

European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia Jelko Kacin said Belgrade must focus on urgent economic and political reforms in cooperation with its neighbors.

Rehn and Bildt also stressed that in the case of Kosovo things should move forward, towards EU accession. "Stability has been preserved in Kosovo, but it is still fragile," Rehn noted, adding that the European Commission has composed a study on how Kosovo can make better progress in European reforms.