The sitting was attended by Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Mladen Sarcevic who presented the bills to the Committee members.

He said that the Bill on Higher Education strives to make sure graduates receive functional knowledge and competences, to improve the information system in the field of higher education and enhance the autonomy of universities, and secure the students’ participation in the decision-making process. Minister Sarcevic said it was important to foster ties between the economy and higher education and presented the proposals how this could be achieved contained in the Bill such as study and work, short study programmes, introducing lectures by experts in their chosen field not employed by the educational institution and connecting with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. The Minister said that one option entertained is to make it possible for higher education institutions to set up businesses in order to commercialize scientific and artistic work.

He said that the Bill also envisages the establishment of a National Accreditation Body.

In the ensuing debate the Committee members emphasized the significance of higher education for the society, how important it is to connect it with the economy, and generally shared their views on the legislation presented.

Following the debate the Committee members adopted the Bill on Higher Education in principle.

Speaking about the Bill on the Basis of the System of Education and Upbringing, Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Mladen Sarcevic said that it strives to enhance the accountability of all those involved in the educational system, improve the quality of education and upbringing, ensure the quality of the teaching profession and the work of expert associates, and most importantly – achieve optimal results in every stage of education and upbringing.

Following a debate where they voiced their opinions on the proposed piece of legislation, the Committee members adopted the Bill on the Basis of the System of Education and Upbringing in principle.

The sitting was chaired by Committee Chairman Muamer Zukorlic, and attended by the following Committee members and deputy members: Ratko Jankov, Olena Papuga, Doc. Dr Mihailo Jokic, Dr Vladimir Orlic, Prof. Dr Zarko Obradovic, Fatmir Hasani, Natasa Jovanovic, Djordje Kosanic, Miletic Mihajlovic, Prof. Dr Marko Atlagic, Milena Bicanin, Marko Parezanovic, Prof. Dr Zarko Korac and MA Aleksandra Jerkov, as well as MP Bosko Obradovic.