Mission Head Flessenkemper briefed Committee Chairman Canak on the activities of the Council of Europe and the European Union concerning the work of the National Assembly, especially those relating to chapters 23 and 24 – rule of law, combating corruption, media freedom and non-discrimination. Even though the Government is the chief partner, the Council of Europe is trying to include the parliamentarians as much as possible in the joint activities.

The Chairman of the European Integration Committee then informed the guest on the Committee’s scope and cooperation with the National Convention on the European Union that comprises over 700 civil society organizations, opining that it is very useful and important in Serbia’s EU accession process.

The officials also spoke about the European Integration Committee’s role in the constitutional and judicial reform process and the Committee members’ efforts to contribute to the Country’s accession process through parliamentary diplomacy. They also spoke about media freedom, the safety of journalists, the obligations Serbia assumed by joining the Council of Europe, as well as combating the global problem of hate speech.

The Head of Council of Europe Office Serbia said that the Organization wishes to offer all-round support to the National Assembly, especially as regards strengthening the role of its working bodies.