Deputy Speaker Arsic said that the National Convention on the European Union has become the chief mechanism for the involvement of civil society into the process of negotiations with the European Union. The Convent contributes to the transparency of the negotiation process and availability of information by fostering a dialogue between civil society organisations, experts, representatives of the economy, trade unions and professional associations on one and the National Assembly and Government on the other side, stressed Arsic.

Deputy Speaker Arsic went on to say that the National Assembly’s cooperation with the Convention, established by the Resolution on the Role of the National Assembly and Principles in the Negotiations on the Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the European Union is a remarkable achievement, one EU representatives praise as a best practice example.

He also highlighted the current parliamentary legislature’s majority support for Serbia’s EU accession, adding that the National Assembly is doing all in its power to use its legislative role to set the groundwork for comprehensive social reforms.

The Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi also spoke at the opening of the sixth plenary session stressing that the Convention is a pillar of civil debate and consensus on Serbia’s EU accession. He also stressed that the Convention’s recommendations and analyses are very detailed and useful.

Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimovic said that according to the Ministry’s semi-annual polls the civil support for Serbia’s EU accession remains stable. She also spoke about the use of IPA funds and EU’s financial aid.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said that the National Convention is an excellent mechanism of dialogue between the Government and civil society, one which facilitates the Government’s work to a great extent. The common goal here is for Serbia to join the EU as a country with a developed rule of law, social rights and economic freedoms, that is, European living standards, said Brnabic.

The sixth plenary session of the National Convention on European Union focused on the economic reform programme, as well as the reform of education, health care, labour, employment and social policy.