European Union members feel the "new stage" following the judgment of the International Court of Justice pointed to a dialog between Pristina and Belgrade to build Serbia's and Kosovo's European prospects, read the conclusions of a session of EU foreign ministers.

The ministers reaffirmed their unambiguous commitment to the West Balkans' European prospects in accordance with the Thessaloniki Program, adopted by the EU in 2003.

The ministers considered the situation in Kosovo and its future journey toward integration into the EU, after the International Court of Justice announced its judgment on July 22, the conclusions said.

The document also stated that the ministers had considered the next steps and underscored that the judgment had introduced a new stage, adding that the future should not be the focus.

The foreign ministers of the 27 EU members stressed the EU's readiness to assist in launching a dialog between Pristina and Belgrade.

The dialog should improve cooperation, create progress on the journey to Europe and improve people's lives, the session conclusions read.

The European ministers also exchanged opinions on the circumstances in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the need to renew the impetus for change in that country after the October elections, with a stronger EU presence, so that Bosnia's European prospects can be used as a driving force for change.

The future of the relationship between Serbia and Kosovo depends, among other factors, on the prospect of European integrations. The statement was made by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Policy, Catherine Ashton, after the last Foreign Council in Brussels.

''I think that the opinion of the International Court of Justice is very clear'' said Ms. Ashton.

''My offer to Pristina and Belgrade is a future in the EU for both''. The thing is that ''there must be a dialogue between them, to see how to go ahead: the offer had been made. I hope they would go further and start a discussion''