Tadic wants EU membership talks next year

Serbian President Boris Tadic, left, and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy participate in a media conference at the EU Council building in Brussels, Monday, June 6. Serbia's president Boris Tadic said it's time the European Union did its part by boosting his nation's efforts to join the bloc, arguing the arrest of war crimes suspect Ratko Mladic proves it is serious about rejoining the international fold. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

BRUSSELS — Serbian President Boris Tadic says he expects membership talks to start next Spring, now that war crimes suspect Ratko Mladic has been caught and extradited.

EU President Herman Van Rompuy told Tadic on Monday to speed up reforms in key sectors — such as the justice department — so an EU summit in December can approve the candidate status of the Balkan nation.

Mladic’s status was the largest obstacle Serbia faced in achieving closer cooperation with the EU. Tadic says he will now focus on turning his nation into a free-market democracy where international investors can thrive.