(ANSA) - BRUSSELS - EU-Serbia Stabilization and Association Council took place this afternoon in Brussels. The 28 Member States agreed to call on Serbia to "progressively align" its foreign policy and "its positions within international organisations" with those of the European Union, and "reverse the current declining trend". The EU Member States welcome "the overall progress" of Belgrade "in accession negotiations" with Brussels, but encourage the Balkan country to "intensify reform efforts" and "deliver convincing results, including a sustainable track record, in particular on democratic governance and the rule of law, including judiciary and war crimes, freedom of expression, and the fight against corruption and organised crime". The Council reiterated the importance for Serbia "to meet in a timely manner the commitments taken for chapters 23 and 24" on justice and security.

The Council also calls on the Serbian government led by Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to "to address all OSCE/ODIHR recommendations" to ensure "transparent" elections to its citizens. (ANSA).