This report welcomes the decision of the European Council of 28 June to launch the accession negotiations with Serbia and states that the EU-Serbia intergovernmental conference should take place in December 2013, provided that Serbia meets the criteria laid down in the Council's conclusions. As the outcome of the committee vote was in line with the voting indications by the S&D shadow rapporteur, no adjustments are required for the plenary.
The S&Ds strongly support the opening of accession talks with this important player in the western Balkans. However, it should also be underlined that a lot of work lies ahead: the S&D Group will continue to support this process to the end.