National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia / Activities / Activity details
23 May 2017 The members of the Constitutional and Legislative Issues in meeting with the delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs
Tuesday, 23 May 2017
Committee on Constitutional and Legislative Issues Meets with European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs Delegation
The Committee on Constitutional and Legislative Issues met today, at the National Assembly House, with a delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs to exchange experiences and operating principles of the two similar committees.
The main difference, as pointed out by the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Constitutional and Legislative Issues Djordje Komlenski is a wider scope of activity, while the head of the EP delegation György Schöpflin reminded him that the first EU Constitution of 2004 was rejected as it was not ratified by each of the member states, so it is the EP Committee’s chief task to monitor overlaps in laws and policies in the European context.
“We are here because Serbia is undergoing the process of accession, which we are looking forward to, and we would like to learn how you see the integration process and how happy you are with the progress achieved”, said Schöpflin.
He also said that the integration necessitates certain changes to the Serbian Constitutions and asked about the amendment procedure.
Komlenski said that if there is to be an amendment to the Constitution, it is to be a two pronged process – harmonization of the national legislation with the EU acquis, and establishment of the judiciary as a branch of government fully independent from the other two.
They also discussed the implementation of the Venice Commission’s recommendations. Komlenski stressed that the judiciary reform is progressing nicely, following a satisfactory dynamics. He stressed that the path has been thorny, but it had created the basis necessary for the judiciary to function in the best manner possible.
Speaking of Euro-integration, Committee member Vesna Markovic said that the European Commission progress reports on Serbia had been better every year. Serbia has so far opened 10 negotiation chapters which she believes to send an excellent message to the citizens who have given their support to the Government’s difficult economic reforms. She also added that more than 700 civil sector organizations are taking active part in the European integration process through the National Convention on the European Union, which adds to the quality of the process.
The members of the two committees also spoke about Brexit, and after a short discussion concluded that the European Union is still a valuable community to join.
“We are here because Serbia is undergoing the process of accession, which we are looking forward to, and we would like to learn how you see the integration process and how happy you are with the progress achieved”, said Schöpflin.
He also said that the integration necessitates certain changes to the Serbian Constitutions and asked about the amendment procedure.
Komlenski said that if there is to be an amendment to the Constitution, it is to be a two pronged process – harmonization of the national legislation with the EU acquis, and establishment of the judiciary as a branch of government fully independent from the other two.
They also discussed the implementation of the Venice Commission’s recommendations. Komlenski stressed that the judiciary reform is progressing nicely, following a satisfactory dynamics. He stressed that the path has been thorny, but it had created the basis necessary for the judiciary to function in the best manner possible.
Speaking of Euro-integration, Committee member Vesna Markovic said that the European Commission progress reports on Serbia had been better every year. Serbia has so far opened 10 negotiation chapters which she believes to send an excellent message to the citizens who have given their support to the Government’s difficult economic reforms. She also added that more than 700 civil sector organizations are taking active part in the European integration process through the National Convention on the European Union, which adds to the quality of the process.
The members of the two committees also spoke about Brexit, and after a short discussion concluded that the European Union is still a valuable community to join.
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