Serbia, along with the leaders of Albania and Northern Macedonia, will decide on Wednesday whether they will participate in the June 23 meeting of the European Council. Euractiv reports that.

"After consultations with our governments and advisors, we have decided tomorrow lunchtime to announce our decision on whether we will participate in this meeting," Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said.

Apparently, the reluctance of the leaders of Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia to attend the summit of the EU is caused by their slow progress on the way to membership.

Among the factors cited are problems with corruption, crime and the reception of refugees in Serbia and Albania.

Another reason is Bulgaria's reluctance to lift its veto on unblocking the EU accession talks with Northern Macedonia because of historical disputes.

As recently as last week, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said he did not hope for a breakthrough during the European Council meeting.

"It looks like we will hear another 'Sorry, but no!'The fact that the whole EU is being held hostage by Bulgaria is not a pretty picture," he said.

On June 23, leaders of the EU and the Western Balkans are scheduled to meet in Brussels to discuss progress toward these countries' EU accession.

Leaders of Albania, Northern Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro are expected to attend the summit.