Q:
A:
Accelerating reforms in justice sector, economy
Belgrade,
4 March 2014
The EU Stabilisation and Association Committee and Serbia held their first meeting today after the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU and Serbia on 1 September 2013.
Author:
Fonet
In a joint statement, the European Integration Office and the European Commission said that representatives of Serbia and the European Commission discussed the implementation of the Copenhagen criteria for EU accession and implementation of the SAA.
At the meeting it was pointed out to the importance of consultation with stakeholders in the legislative process and the role of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia in the oversight of the executive authorities.
The role of regulatory and oversight bodies as well as the importance of an effective response to their conclusions was highlighted in particular.
The adoption of the Public Administration Reform Strategy was also welcomed.
The meeting touched on reform of local government in Serbia and the importance of strengthening inclusive regional cooperation.
The Committee encouraged Serbia to accelerate reforms in the rule of law and justice and said that the adoption of the Strategy for the Fight against Corruption and Action Plan is a positive step.
A pro-active approach in the investigation of corruption cases needs to be strenghtened.
They also welcomed the adoption of a comprehensive strategy to combat discrimination and emphasised the importance of protecting the rights of minorities, including the Roma and LGBT populations.
The Committee analysed the economic criteria, and a relative improvement was noted in the Serbian economy in 2013.
Accelerating structural economic reforms is necessary, particularly in the area of business environment, in order to stimulate growth and competitiveness.
When it comes to the implementation of the SAA, the Committee noted that the agreement is implemented in a satisfactory manner.
At the meeting it was pointed out to the importance of consultation with stakeholders in the legislative process and the role of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia in the oversight of the executive authorities.
The role of regulatory and oversight bodies as well as the importance of an effective response to their conclusions was highlighted in particular.
The adoption of the Public Administration Reform Strategy was also welcomed.
The meeting touched on reform of local government in Serbia and the importance of strengthening inclusive regional cooperation.
The Committee encouraged Serbia to accelerate reforms in the rule of law and justice and said that the adoption of the Strategy for the Fight against Corruption and Action Plan is a positive step.
A pro-active approach in the investigation of corruption cases needs to be strenghtened.
They also welcomed the adoption of a comprehensive strategy to combat discrimination and emphasised the importance of protecting the rights of minorities, including the Roma and LGBT populations.
The Committee analysed the economic criteria, and a relative improvement was noted in the Serbian economy in 2013.
Accelerating structural economic reforms is necessary, particularly in the area of business environment, in order to stimulate growth and competitiveness.
When it comes to the implementation of the SAA, the Committee noted that the agreement is implemented in a satisfactory manner.
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