On August 26, 2015, Kosovo and Serbia signed a series of agreements in key areas, in a major step towards normalizing ties.[44] Kosovo's foreign minister claimed it was a de facto recognition of independence,[44] while Serbia's prime minister said it ensured representation for ethnic-Serbs in Kosovo.[44] As a result of the agreements, Serbia can now move forward with its negotiations to join the EU.[44] However, the Serbian government still opposes any initiative by the government of Kosovo joining UN agencies, and Kosovo's initiative regarding UNESCO membership was met with protest by Belgrade.[45][46]