The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic received today the Director General of the Council of Europe Directorate General of Democracy and Political Affairs, Jean-Louis Laurens, with whom she spoke of the fulfillment of the obligations undertaken on Serbia’s joining the Council of Europe.

Director Laurens conveyed the Council of Europe’s interest in the Parliament passing the bills and conventions important for Serbia joining the EU, by the end of the year, by which Serbia will fulfill the remaining obligations of the Council of Europe’s monitoring mission and conclude this kind of cooperation. He was particularly interested in the possible increase of efficiency of the National Assembly’s work and offered help in the preparation of the new Assembly Rules of Procedure based on the work experience from the parliaments of other countries.

The National Assembly Speaker informed the guest of the legislative activities underway, which are the condition for Serbia’s European integration. Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic pointed out that the deputies are handling important systemic laws, among them the Anti-Corruption Bill, Bill on Restitution, Displaced Persons, as well as ratifications of international contracts and agreements. She also said that a new Act on the National Assembly is to be passed which will afford it greater independence in relation to other state institutions.

Pointing out that difficulties in the National Assembly’s work stem from certain provisions of the Rules of Procedure, Speaker Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic stressed that the new Rules of Procedure should ensure the work efficiency of the highest legislative institution in Serbia.

The talk also touched upon the political situation in Serbia.