European Commissioner Andor was interested in the National Assembly Speaker’s opinion about the challenges Serbia’s to tackle at the beginning of the new chapter of cooperation with the European Union.
National Assembly Speaker Dr Nebojsa Stefanovic shared his pleasure at the opening of membership talks between Serbia and the EU saying that this is an encouraging decision for the Government, Parliament and all the citizens of Serbia. Stefanovic added that it is Serbia’s goal to join the European Union by 2020, adding that employment, social affairs and inclusion are important not only as elements of the negotiations, but for the citizens of Serbia, because the state has spared no effort to create the legislative framework vital for social reform and democratisation and creation of better living conditions for the citizens, said Stefanovic. He was also pleased at the beginning of the so-called “screening process” for the chapters regulating fundamental democratic principles. As regards social policy, Stefanovic reminded that the Republic of Serbia has assumed the obligation to harmonise the sphere of social policy with European legislation, stressing that the laws passed in the past year are sensitive to the rights of children, the family, socially vulnerable and minority groups. In that context, he mentioned the Law on Special Measures for the Prevention of Crimes against Sexual Freedom against Minors, the so-called “Marija’s Law”, which abolished the statute of limitation for the prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes.
The National Assembly Speaker also said that, as the Chairman of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, he is hard at work on children’s rights and the protection of the rights of women who find their labour rights threatened during maternity leaves, reminding that he personally submitted a law on the issue which the National Assembly adopted by acclamation.
European Commissioner Andor opined that the current, much better political climate could lead to a limited economic growth in Serbia, listing the economic situation in the European Union as one of the limiting factors. He urged for labour market reforms in education, and a more efficient administration and fight against corruption, which are some of the factors which could expedite economic recovery and significantly speed up the EU accession process. As challenges, Andor identified social reform and significant unemployment, sharing examples of good practice from some European countries which have given good results in increasing employment, especially of women.
Speaker Stefanovic said that Serbia has begun a decisive fight against corruption which should result in progress in all spheres, opining that the rule of law has, in the past year, undergone significant improvements. He agreed with the estimate that unemployment is high, especially among the youth and announced new measures which should reduce it. The National Assembly Speaker said that agricultural investment potentials play a special role in creating a new investment climate, as do the investment potential of energy production, mining and infrastructure and new technology projects.
In the Course of the meeting, Ambassador Davenport opined that the “screening process” has given good initial results and showed interest in the parliamentary dimension of the process.
Speaker Stefanovic highlighted the importance of the European Integration Committee, announcing the establishment of a special parliamentary body which should monitor and direct the process in the Parliament.