Serbia-Kosovo talks resume as Belgrade awaits EU verdict

(BRUSSELS) - Serbia and Kosovo resumed EU-mediated talks Wednesday, just days before the European Union delivers a crucial verdict in Belgrade's bid to join the 27-nation bloc.

Talks between the two sides are expected to last at least through the day with one highly-placed EU official "optimistic" of a new breakthrough in months of efforts to overcome problems caused by Kosovo's breakaway from Serbia in 2008.

A deal notably is in the offing enabling Kosovo to join regional cooperation bodies, sitting at the table alongside Serbia despite Belgrade's refusal to recognise Pristina's independence, the source said.

Also to be discussed will be the prickly question of jointly managing the flashpoint northern border, where ethnic Serbs who comprise the majority of the north Kosovo area have repeatedly clashed with NATO peacekeepers.

The outcome of the talks will be closely watched in EU nations ahead of a summit next week due to announce whether or not to grant Serbia much-awaited EU candidate status, a key step in joining the bloc.

Foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday will discuss the question.