EP Foreign Affairs Committee welcomed Serbia's arrest of Ratko Mladić but warned that its path to the EU is still long, stressing that another Serb leader indicted for war crimes, Goran Hadžić, was still on the run. Also, MEPs praised the Hungarian Presidency's efforts to complete EU enlargement negotiations with Croatia by end of June.

On EU enlargement debate held on 16 June, the MEP responsible on Croatia, Hannes Swoboda stressed the need to encourage Serbia's democratic forces with a clear EU signal in favour of enlargement. He also promised to steer a thorough and quick overview of Croatia's progress through Parliament as soon as negotiations close.

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Božidar Ðelié was at the debate. He underlined that the arrest of Ratko Mladić was their moral obligation and Serbia will do its part to advance in the EU accession process. He also urged EU to be tough but fair. With a view to future negotiations, Mr Ðelié described to MEPs a 96-point Serbian government action plan. This plan, according to him, is intended to achieve a the goal taht Serbia, based on merits, will be able to get both the candidate status and even the opening of negotiations next spring.

Many MEPs at the debate praised the Presidency's efforts on Croatia and welcomed Commission positive evaluation. Hungary's Foreign Minister János Martonyi reminded that there is still four chapters opened. He underlined that they remain positive that all remaining chapters will be closed by the 30 June at midnight.