Brussels, 07/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Although the way ahead for Serbia is still difficult, the arrest and extradition of Ratko Mladic have cleared “a major roadblock”, said European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, adding, after his meeting with Serbian President Boris Tadic in Brussels on 6 June, that Serbia must now concentrate on the other reforms needed to take forward its candidacy for accession to the EU. “It is essential now to make as much progress on this road as possible. I encouraged President Tadic to intensify work on his reform agenda. Strengthening national democratic institutions, enhancing the rule of law, promoting justice reform are central elements”, Van Rompuy said. Serbia's application to join the EU, presented in December 2009, is currently under examination by the Commission, which will deliver its opinion in October of this year. If the recommendation is to allow Serbia to join, the European Council in December might decide to grant applicant country status and offer Serbia a date for opening accession negotiations. “We have six months ahead of us before the European Council will again discuss the issue of enlargement, and take decisions. The remaining timeframe must be used well”, Van Rompuy stated. (H.B./transl.rt)