The session of the European Integration Committee, held on 17 November, saw the presentation of the report of the European Commission on progress made in Serbia and Montenegro’s process of stabilisation and association with the European Union in 2005. The Committee’s session was chaired by the chairperson, Ksenija Milivojevic.

Addressing the deputies and representatives of the European Commission’s Delegation to Serbia and Montenegro at the start of the session, the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Predrag Markovic, expressed his pleasure at the fact that the European Commission report was again, for the second year running, being presented at the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.

Mr Markovic added that it was with great satisfaction that he had read in the report that the National Assembly’s work was assessed as positive, as well as that 2005 had seen great progress in the adoption of new legislation. He said that all relevant institutions in Serbia were aware that the National Assembly faced a great deal of responsibility, most of all in relation to responsibilities undertaken for the coming period, both in harmonising legislation with EU standards and, more importantly, responsibilities that the deputies have towards the Serbian public, who elected them and whose interests they represent.

The European Commission’s progress report for Serbia and Montenegro was presented by the head of the EC’s Delegation to Serbia and Montenegro, Josep Lloveras. The report underlines the fact that Serbia and Montenegro has made great progress in integration into Europe, but that it should also work on increasing the functionality of the State Union and enhancing co-operation with the Hague Tribunal. Great progress has been made in 2005, according to the report, in adopting new legislation, as well as in judicial reforms and reforms of the banking sector. The report also defines next year's priorities: establishing full control over the military, downsizing state union administrative bodies, reducing inflation in Serbia, implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1244 dealing with Kosovo, and opening talks between Belgrade and Pristina. The work of the Special War Crimes Court received praise; however, attention was also drawn to the lack of success in media relations and the fight against corruption. Mr Lloveras reiterated that Serbia and Montenegro was not alone, and that there was firm commitment in the European Commission to help the State Union make progress in areas where, according to the report, improvement was not detected.