National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia / Activities / Activity details
2 December 2013 Regional seminar of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on mechanisms available to national parliaments to counter corruption
Monday, 2 December 2013
PACE Regional Seminar on Anti-Corruption Mechanisms Available to Parliaments
Today, the National Assembly House hosted a Council of Europe regional seminar on mechanisms available to national parliaments to counter corruption.
In her address, the Chairperson of the PACE Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs Natasa Vuckovic said that corruption disturbs the legal process from its very core and has a destructive effect on human rights. She said that in the past years Serbia has launched a decisive battle against corruption, first and foremost organised crime which is a prerequisite for corruption, and corruption itself. Vuckovic opined that the existing legislation needs to be implemented more efficiently in the fight against corruption, the Parliament’s budgetary independence should be further developed, the MPs’ accountability and transparency should be strengthened and the Parliament should conduct efficient oversight over the Government. She added that the implementation of anti-corruption measures is crucial for the establishment of a healthy society.
The participants were also addressed by the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, Antje Rothemund who stressed that combating corruption is a priority for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, as well as the Government and National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. She stressed that corruption needs to be recognised as a threat to the rule of law and highlighted the importance of the dedication to ethical conduct and combating corruption. Rothemund said that the Council of Europe is ready to assist its member states in the fight against corruption, adding that real results can only be achieved with the active support of the elected representatives at the local and regional level.