In Brussels, the delegation members visited the European Commission, European Parliament, NATO Central, Regional Cooperation Council, Mission of the Republic of Serbia to the EU and NATO and had a series of meetings with their officials, as well as representatives of the Council of Europe and Eduard Kukan, member of the European Parliament. In Berlin, the NARS members met with the representatives of the Demochristian Union, Konrad Adenauer Foundation and several members of the German Bundestag dealing with foreign policy and European integration, and, in particular, the Western Balkans. The work week was completed with a visit to the German Government and a meeting with the Serbian Ambassador to Germany.

The officials who met with the Serbian parliamentary delegation noted that Serbia’s future lies in the European Union. They spoke about Serbia’s accession to the European Union, improvement of national legislation, the role of national parliaments in the decision-making system and the role of the public and experts in the legislative process. It was concluded that the role of parliaments and their working bodies is indispensable, and that an exchange of experiences with both the members of the European Parliament and the German Bundestag is essential.

They were particularly interested in the current political situation in Serbia, noting that Serbia has always been a country of particular interest for Germany and that Serbia’s speedy integration into the European Union is in Europe’s interest.

As regards the reform processes in Serbia, it was underlined that strengthening the rule of law should be the national institutions’ priority, and that the anti-corruption domain is showing certain improvement, but that it still requires additional efforts. They also applauded the Belgrade – Pristina dialogue at the highest level. It was jointly noted that a solution to the Kosovo issue can be only reached through dialogue.

As regards the parliament, the delegation members stressed their wish to strengthen the parliament’s role in society particularly through the work of the committees and the control of the executive. Since economic recovery is a state priority, they emphasised the importance of attracting investment. It was concluded that Serbia needs to straighten up its economy, legislation and social relations.

The study visit was organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The National Assembly delegation comprised Elvira Kovacs, Dr Neven Cveticanin, Bojana Bozanic, Dusica Morcev and Irena Aleksic.