The Prime Minister informed Ambassador Giaufret about the latest reform activities carried out within cluster 1 - Basics, i.e., the improvement of the rule of law.
As Brnabic emphasised, the government of Serbia today received another confirmation that the constitutional reform is in line with the highest European standards, because the Venice Commission, at the plenum session, confirmed a positive framework for continuing changes to the Serbian Constitution in order to complete the process of judicial independence by the end of the year.
Also, the Prime Minister informed the Ambassador that the government of the Republic of Serbia adopted several important documents at yesterday's session, the implementation of which is a precondition for further democratic development of society.
The gender equality strategy for the period from 2021 to 2030 aims to contribute faster to the realisation of gender equality and improve the daily life of women and men in Serbia, the Prime Minister said.
She added that by implementing the strategy, our citizens will have rights in accordance with the highest European standards in this area and will provide an equal contribution to the development of the society in which they live.
Minister Joksimovic informed the head of the EU Delegation about the content of the National Strategy for War Crimes Prosecution in the Republic of Serbia for the period from 2021 to 2026, adopted yesterday.
This document is one more of the results of our absolute dedication to strengthening the rule of law. By implementing measures envisaged by this strategy, we will bring about greater efficiency of war crimes trials, enable access to justice for all victims of such crimes, clear up the fate of all missing persons and in particular, contribute to the cherishing of culture of remembrance and dialogue, Joksimovic specified.
All these principles are features of democratic legal orders and Serbia is determined to implement these principles according to the highest standards, building partner relations both in the region and with international institutions, which have competence on these matters, Joksimovic underlined.
Prime Minister Brnabic presented the recently adopted Bill on the Protector of Citizens, which was sent to the National Assembly for adoption, and which aims to strengthen the independence of that institution in accordance with all international standards.
Also, they talked about the content of the new Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance, which will establish additional mechanisms for improving transparency in the work of public authorities.
Brnabic said that she is certain that the progress made by the Serbian government in the first year of its work in the field of the rule of law will be verified in the upcoming report of the European Commission on Serbia for 2021 and that it will be a sufficient ground for EU Member States to give recommendation that Serbia opens all clusters for which it is fully ready in the negotiations on accession to the EU by the end of the year.
The Prime Minister underlined that these are cluster 3 - Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth and cluster 4 - Green Agreement and Sustainable Connectivity.
Joksimovic additionally informed the EU Delegation about the level of preparedness of Serbia regarding these two clusters, meaning that Serbia has reached all the standards necessary for opening a total of 12 chapters covered by them.
Ambassador Giaufret thanked Prime Minister Brnabic for hosting the meeting and regularly providing information on reforms in the field of rule of law in Serbia.
He said he appreciates the opportunity for high engagement in the rule of law reforms, which are key to Serbia's progress towards EU accession.
This is a priority for the EU and EU member states, which are following developments in Serbia very closely.
It is crucial that Serbia be continuously engaged in transparent and inclusive reform processes and timely implementation in key areas, such as the fight against corruption and organized crime, judicial independence, fundamental rights, war crimes and the media environment.
He underlined that these are not only EU priorities, but areas that would have a great positive impact on Serbian society, citizens and the economy.
Ambassador Giaufret specified that the annual report of the European Commission for Serbia, which is expected to be published this month, will provide guidelines and clear priorities for Serbia in further harmonization with EU legislation and practice on all negotiating chapters in the EU accession process.
He recalled that the European Union is already engaged in a wide package of financial assistance to support Serbia in reform processes, and that this support can be further increased next year.
Ambassador Giaufret also spoke about the EU's expectations that the measures agreed in the framework of the Inter-Party Dialogue should be implemented in a timely and inclusive and transparent manner, together with the ODIHR recommendations, in order to secure the appropriate conditions for the elections planned for next year.