EU pushes for speedy deal with UK, reset with Serbia, and new plan for candidates
The EU is advancing diplomatic efforts with the UK, Serbia, and candidate countries, while the Commission president plans a visit to Armenia.
The European Union is pushing for a speedy deal with the United Kingdom after the appointment of a new prime minister. British EU Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds traveled to Brussels on Wednesday for talks designed to keep planned agricultural and trade pacts on track despite the transition of power.
Meanwhile, the EU plans a reset with Serbia as elections loom. Belgrade could get the chance to forge closer relations with the bloc after dropping laws that experts had warned would undermine democracy.
The EU has unveiled a new scheme to keep would-be member states close. The plan would offer candidate countries EU perks before membership, without the political rights that doomed earlier proposals.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans a visit to Armenia to show support for the pro-EU government. The trip underscores Brussels' backing for Armenia's Western turn after a landmark election that dealt a blow to Russian influence in the region.
