The EU has promised dramatic changes in its policy towards Serbia if there is a strong support for pro-democracy candidates in elections scheduled for 24 September

Date: 07/09/00

Following a meeting with fellow foreign ministers in Evian last weekend, France's Hubert Védrine said: "The victory of democracy would lead to a radical revision of EU policy towards Serbia in all its aspects." This was taken to mean that the Union would drop the sanctions imposed against President Slobodan Milosevic's regime and provide billions of euro in reconstruction aid. Recent opinion polls suggest more than 50% of voters will back opposition leader Vojislav Kostunica against Milosevic. But diplomats are concerned that Milosevic might rig the elections to keep himself in power.