Time for a Historic Breakthrough in Relations Between Serbia and the European Union

The tenth plenary session of the National Convention on the EU was held in the House of the National Assembly. The plenary session is the annual umbrella event of the National Convention and an opportunity to assess Serbia’s progress on the European path. Participants discussed possibilities for reforms within the European integration process in an open dialogue between civil society organizations and relevant institutions.

“Regardless of all the challenges, stagnation, and changes in the dynamics of Serbia’s accession to the European Union, Serbia and the Western Balkans have a historic chance to make a breakthrough on the European road,” said the Coordinator of the National Convention, Bojana Selaković. The European integration process needs to be a framework for the necessary reforms and fundamental transformation of society in the interest of the citizens of Serbia. The members of the Convention are aware that Serbia’s European path is demanding, but they express their constant commitment to it.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabić pointed out that the Government will continue the dialogue with civil society organizations. Brnabic stated that the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and the media are the main imperatives in the coming period. Commenting on the relations between Serbia and the European Union, the Minister of European Integration, Tanja Miščević, stated that Serbia insists on strengthening several elements of cooperation in the common foreign and security policy, which also refers to the level of inclusion in peacekeeping missions.

The members of the Convention submitted a significant number of remarks on the draft of the Law on Internal Affairs. The Convention also pleaded for an extension of the public debate on this law. The Prime Minister intends to strengthen communication with the Convention on this topic.

The Convention is the most numerous and active platform of civil society organizations in Serbia, with a permanent structure and activities, an institutional foothold in the negotiation process, and a recognizable identity both by representatives of the institutions of Serbia and the European Union, as well as by the media and the general public. During 2023, the Convention will organize a series of thematic events covering progress in the accession process by cluster.