The National Assembly delegation included National Assembly Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of the European Integration Committee Elvira Kovacs and MP Dr Aleksandra Tomic. The European Parliamentary Week brought together parliamentarians from the European Union, candidate countries and observers, as well as Members of the European Parliament to discuss economic, budgetary and social issues.

In the course of the event, participants were addressed by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, Annita Demetriou, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, and Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy.

On the sidelines of the event, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Kovacs met with several Members of the European Parliament - Loucas Fourlas, Co-Chair of the EU - Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, Tonino Picula, European Parliament’s Rapporteur for Serbia, Reinhold Lopatka, Davor Ivo Stier, Shadow Rapporteur for Serbia, Lorant Vincze, and Annamaria Vicsek.

On day 1, Dr Aleksandra Tomic took part in the meetings of the Committee on Budgets. in her speech on the “Focus on the next Multiannual Financial Framework: National and Regional Partnership Plans”, she emphasised that the Republic of Serbia is following the development of a new model of integrated investment and reform planning with great attention. She said that the partnership plans represent an important step towards a more strategically focused, coordinated and results-based approach to the management of EU funds. She particularly welcomed the emphasis on the principles of partnership, territorial cohesion and a greater role of the region in defining development priorities, as well as the connection between investments, reforms and measurable results. She informed the attendees that a Public Hearing was held last week on Bill on the Establishment and Functioning of the Cohesion Policy Management System and that the National Assembly is expected to adopt it soon. She stated that this approach is very important for candidate countries, and that the priority of the Serbian Government and President Aleksandar Vucic is to work on harmonising national development plans with the medium-term budgetary framework, strengthening regional cooperation through the Berlin Process and further developing infrastructure through EU funds. She added that assistance from IPA 3 funds requires careful planning, effective coordination and transparency. She emphasised that Serbia is committed to strengthening institutional and administrative capacities for future participation in EU cohesion policies. She added that, at the same time, we believe that the concept of partnership plans can serve as inspiration for the gradual, merit-based integration of the Western Balkan countries into certain European policies and investment mechanisms. She stressed that Serbia wants to be a reliable and constructive partner to the European Union.

The second day of the event saw the Plenary Session of the European Parliamentary Week. During her address on the topic “Fostering a Business-Friendly Europe in the context of the Next Multiannual Financial Framework: Prospects and Challenges for the Single Market”, Dr Aleksandra Tomic stressed that the Single Market is the basis for prosperity in Europe. She said that if we want the advantages of the Single Market to remain visible, we need to ensure a stable, predictable and competitive business environment, i.e. less bureaucracy, a level playing field and better access to financing, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. She said that for candidate countries like Serbia, the Single Market represents both a responsibility and an opportunity, and that gradual integration into European supply chains, harmonisation of standards and regulations, as well as participation in European programmes are already contributing to the modernisation of our economy. She added that in 2025, 58% of Serbia’s trade was with the EU. She stressed that the Reform Agenda enables Serbia to improve regulatory frameworks, promote innovation and private investment, and thus prepares it for participation in the Single Market, through strategic investments in education, digitalisation and green energy. She stressed that fragmented regulations and global competition require a coordinated and strategically oriented future EU budget, and that it should not only be an instrument for allocating funds, but also a means of positioning Europe in the global economy. She emphasised that the gradual inclusion of the Western Balkan countries in certain mechanisms of the single market can contribute to its additional dynamics and stability, as well as expand market opportunities for all actors. She said that Serbia remains committed to improving the rule of law, the business environment and economic convergence, and that it is ready to be a reliable and constructive partner to the EU in this joint venture.