The first chapter in the Serbia's negotiations to join the European Union "could be opened in October, with the consent of Germany."

According to the agency, "agreement has been reached in principle for a formal decision to be taken during the ministerial meeting in September."

"Concrete chapters" would then open in October - something that Germany - "until recently reserved on this issue" - has now reportedly agreed to.

According to Tanjug's diplomatic source, Monday's "Friends of Serbia" meeting in Brussels was "a good opportunity for ministers to informally specify the positions of their countries so that in the fall, when the opening of chapters is officially on the agenda, there would be no unpleasant surprises."

A diplomatic source in Brussels spoke for the agency earlier, on condition of anonymity, and said that "the broad turnout" at today's gathering "proves not only that there is not a single EU country that does not want to see Serbia as a member, but also that there is good will to help it on its road to Europe."

According to the report, the importance given to today's meeting is evident by the fact the start of the ministerial council of the EU dedicated to the refugee crisis was delayed because of it.

The main goal of the gathering was "to prepare the ground for chapter to be opened as soon as possible" - something that Austria and Italy, the co-hosts of Monday's meeting, have long advocated.