Serbian EU Membership Application Submitted

On Dec 22nd 2009, Serbia formally submitted its application to join the 27-nation EU, in a move to end years of isolation.

The EU is granting €50m to Serbia in budget support. But Serbia still has to cross a major hurdle - the capture of two remaining war fugitives, before membership negotiations will begin in earnest. Belgrade is now pinning its hopes on the next report by the chief prosecutor, expected in June.

It is likely though to take at least four years before the hand of EU membership extends to Serbia.