Ambassador Stokvis declared the next stage of negotiations between Serbia and Pristina very sensitive. He relayed the Dutch side’s wish to help overcome the impact of the economic crisis in Serbia, stressing that “the Dutch side believes the self-discipline of the institutions very important for the development of democracy, and that the balance between the legislative and executive power depends on the preservation of the status of independent institutions”.

Ambassador Stokvis also stressed that efforts should be made to correct the oversights and irregularities noted during the previous election process, in view of next week’s OSCE report on the topic. The Dutch side believes the issue of human rights very important and endorses the idea of holding a Pride Parade in Belgrade as a significant indicator of said tolerance, but at the same time drew attention to the tensions in the south of Serbia.

NARS Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic presented the Parliament’s priorities and deemed that they largely coincide with the Dutch side’s interest. He underlined that the Parliament would also achieve its priorities through a further outreach to the public, strengthening the function of the committees, strengthening the Parliament’s supervisory role, legislative contribution to the fight against corruption and organised crime, calling for transparency in the work and ownership structure of the media, e-parliament project, and stressed that he would personally work toward the protection of the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups. Stefanovic emphasised the importance of the new Law on Public Procurement which should blaze a trail toward zero tolerance for corruption in itself and in the manner in which it is discussed in open public debate, allowing a long enough period for familiarisation and discussion.