European Union nations agreed Jan. 28 to offer closer ties, economic incentives, easier access for travelers and students, and the eventual prospect of EU membership, in an effort to counter anti-Western anger over Kosovo, which has boosted nationalist support in the run-up to the Feb. 3 Serb presidential election.

"I hope it is a clear signal, not just to Serbia, but to all Serbs, that across the European Union, 27 countries want to engage with Serbia," British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said.