Salvador Garriga Polledo stated that this was a regular visit by the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets, within which the delegation learns how the European Union project funds are being used in Serbia, noting that the country which uses the funds well undergoes the process of adjustment to European Union rules more easily, thus moving more easily and quickly toward membership.
National Assembly Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic says that Serbia is dedicated to European integration and believes the process gives the country the opportunity to reach certain standards such as the high level of budget control conducted by the Parliament. Stefanovic said that Serbia is in a difficult economic situation, noting that, thanks to the adopted measures, the budget deficit has been reduced through a drastic cut in expenses, which the National Assembly also contributes to.
Stefanovic stressed that the Law on Public Procurements which came into force three days ago would yearly save more than 500 million EUR. Through our dedication to the fight against corruption and organised crime we have managed to reduce corruption, said Stefanovic, adding that the fight is headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, which is an important pre-requisite for the attraction of potential investment. Stefanovic added that the fact that Serbia enjoys special allowances for ventures onto numerous markets is a comparative advantage for new investments. The National Assembly Speaker concluded that Serbia knows its goals and what to do to achieve them.
As regards the talks with Pristina in Brussels, Stefanovic hopes that they will be continued and that the other side will accept the fact that agreement calls for compromise, adding that the fact the Serbian delegation believes the talks should be continued is heartening. Stefanovic expects that the halt in the talks will not affect the granting of a start date for the talks with the European Union.
Speaking about the control of budgetary spending, Stefanovic emphasised the role played by the State Audit Institution which has so far proved its impartiality in the implementation of the law, thus showing its independence.
Paul Rübig, member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets, agreed with the National Assembly Speaker, stressing as especially positive Stefanovic’s estimate that reaching European standards is important both for European integration and Serbia and its citizens themselves.
Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, member of the European Parliament’s Committee, noted that Romania is still in the Union’s monitoring status as regards the judiciary and asked about Serbia’s experience in the field.
Speaker Stefanovic said that the problem of corruption cannot be addressed without judiciary reform, adding that the Parliament had adopted several laws which would make investigations more efficient, adding that the judicial system should first and foremost be independent and that political pressure on the judiciary is unacceptable.
Jan Mulder, member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets, asked for an assessment of the Serbian citizens’ enthusiasm as regards the European Union.
Speaker Stefanovic said that in the past the European Union had been presented as the magical solution for all problems, but we are trying to explain that joining the European Union is not like waving a magic wand, but rather we can expect assistance only if we want it ourselves. Stefanovic also believes that more and more people in Serbia, especially young people, understand the advantages as well as the duties stemming from European Union membership and how it can be achieved.