In the introductory remarks, Arsic stressed that the basic goal of the law is to create the appropriate conditions for the use of public funds by proscribing clear procedures for the granting of public contracts, as well as anti-corruption mechanisms and mechanisms enabling proper competition in the sphere.

Committee Chairperson Milica Delevic stressed that the law would be among those rare adopted by regular procedure, that it had been drafted in consultation with the European Commission and is a step forward compared to the existing law, but is only partially harmonised with the European Union directives and recommendations.

The Committee members had numerous questions for the submitters, among them who would adopt the by-laws necessary for the implementation of the new law and when they would be adopted, how would public procurements for the needs of the ministries of defence and interior be conducted and similar.

The representatives of the submitters responded that the Public Procurement Directorate would prepare the by-laws by April, when the law is due to come into force, in cooperation with the experts in the field and non-governmental organisations. The provisions of the new law relating to public procurement in the field of defence and security, they stressed, are just partially harmonised with the European Union recommendations.

The Committee members accepted the Public Procurement Bill, in principle.

The Committee also considered the Bill amending and modifying the Energy Law, elaborated by representatives of the Ministry of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection.

The Committee members had several comments and suggestions to the proposed amendments and modifications to the Energy Law, but did not vote on the Bill due to a lack of quorum.

The sitting was chaired by the Committee Chairperson, Milica Delevic.