The NARS Speaker stressed the importance of the Assembly’s work on harmonising Serbian legislation with European standards, highlighting two laws - the Bill amending and modifying the Law on Election of Deputies which, inter alia, regulates the issue of “blank resignations” and full compliance with the will of the citizens and the Bill on Financing of Political Activities which was removed from urgency procedure in order to organise a public debate gathering experts, non-governmental and civil sector so as to ensure a good quality law. “We expect the Property and Restitution Bills shortly and I believe that we shall soon have them in assembly procedure”, said the NARS Speaker. Djukic Dejanovic said that the National Assembly has recently gained financial independence and for the first time has its own budget. At the same time she stressed that the parliament’s oversight role is still in the stages of development. The Speaker emphasised the excellent inter-parliamentary cooperation, especially with countries in the region.

Barroso also pointed out the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation, stressing that the governments of all the countries of the European Union wish to see Serbia become an EU member. “We truly see Serbia as a member of the European family and what you should do is swiftly overcome the obstacles and show results because everything is in your hands”, said Barroso. The EC President commended the progress and transparency of the National Assembly’s work which are an important step towards Serbian Euro-integration.

The delegation comprised European Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule, his Deputy Stefano Sanino, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert and Miroslav Lajcak in charge of Western Balkans and Russia in Catherine Ashton’s team.