Serbian minister resigns after EU delays candidacy bid

(BRUSSELS) - Serbia's European Integration minister Bozidar Djelic tendered his resignation Friday after the EU delayed a decision on whether to grant his country candidate status.

"I had said I would resign if we didn't obtain candidacy and I am holding to my word," he told reporters at the close of a summit.

Belgrade had hoped European leaders would declare conditions fulfilled for it to be officially declared an EU candidate at the Friday summit but EU president Herman Van Rompuy announced a decision would be taken by foreign ministers in February.

Djelic said the delay was "regrettable".