MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state, which was unilaterally proclaimed in 2008; it continues to recognize Kosovo as a part of Serbia. Kosovo is recognized by 23 out of the 28 EU member states.
"[Dacic] stressed Serbia's commitment to dialogue with Pristina, which is managed under the auspices of the EU, as well as the implementation of all agreements reached so far, especially those related to the establishment of the Community of Serbian municipalities," the release stated.
Serbia applied for EU membership in 2009, later becoming an official candidate. The Balkan country has so far opened only four of the 35 chapters needed for accession to the European Union.