The seminar was opened by National Assembly Speaker Dr Nebojsa Stefanovic who opined that the topic of the seminar is extremely important for all because corruption is a serious threat to the rule of law, social stability and safety. He stressed that the emergence of new types of corruption, along with the traditional ones, calls for intensifying international cooperation and establishment of an international legal framework and swift implementation of relevant international instruments. Stefanovic underlined that, by adopting the zero-tolerance principle, the Government and National Assembly are investing considerable efforts into combating corruption. He also drew attention to the adoption of anti-corruption acts, amendments to national criminal legislation, firmer control over civil servants, following of national programmes, adoption of lobbying regulations, adoption and amendments of public procurement legislation and simplification of the license issuance regime, in accordance with the recommendations of the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). Stefanovic added that the National Assembly had passed the 2013-2018 National Anti-Corruption Strategy and has this year become member of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC).
In her address, the Chairperson of the PACE Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs Natasa Vuckovic said that corruption disturbs the legal process from its very core and has a destructive effect on human rights. She said that in the past years Serbia has launched a decisive battle against corruption, first and foremost organised crime which is a prerequisite for corruption, and corruption itself. Vuckovic opined that the existing legislation needs to be implemented more efficiently in the fight against corruption, the Parliament’s budgetary independence should be further developed, the MPs’ accountability and transparency should be strengthened and the Parliament should conduct efficient oversight over the Government. She added that the implementation of anti-corruption measures is crucial for the establishment of a healthy society.
The participants were also addressed by the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, Antje Rothemund who stressed that combating corruption is a priority for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, as well as the Government and National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. She stressed that corruption needs to be recognised as a threat to the rule of law and highlighted the importance of the dedication to ethical conduct and combating corruption. Rothemund said that the Council of Europe is ready to assist its member states in the fight against corruption, adding that real results can only be achieved with the active support of the elected representatives at the local and regional level.