"Eight EU countries, at the initiative of Sweden and Italy, have supported the idea that Serbia be given a conditional date for the start of negotiations with the European Union as soon as possible, perhaps as early as March," Dacic told Pink Television.
He said "eight EU countries assessed at a meeting last week that Serbia deserved such support in the European integration process because of its constructive approach" and that "this is a result of the different image of Serbia."
"We will see if they will succeed in that, but in any case, it's a step forward," said Dacic.
He reiterated that he would meet with Kosovo PM Hashim Thaci again around December 10, saying that, although "the previous Serbian government initialled difficult agreements," rejecting negotiations with Pristina "leads nowhere and distances the entire Kosovo from Serbia."
Dacic said "Serbia wants to talk about essential issues" but that "in that constructive approach nobody can expect the Serbian prime minister to accept Kosovo's independence."