Rule of law and functional administration in focus

BELGRADE - Chapters 23 and 24 will be the focus of the talks between Serbia and the EU, with stress on the rule of law, functional administration and economy, according to what has been said at a meeting of the Serbian and EU parliament committee for stabilisation and association.

The EU and Serbian parliament members discussed a number of topics at the Serbian parliament on Thursday, like pre-accession assistance, Serbia's preparation to open chapters 23 and 24, which refer to the judiciary, battle against corruption and basic rights, talks between Belgrade and Pristina, regional cooperation, economy and relations between Serbia and Russia.

Head of the European Commission Directorate for Neighbourhood Policy and Accession Talks Christian Danielson said the screening process, which was nearing its end, had been difficult and demanding, but that Serbia had shown resolve and commitment to achieve progress.

Now comes the next step and the method is clear, that is the talks will centre on the foundation, like the rule of law, functional administration and elements of the economy, he explained, adding that chapters 23 and 24 would be in the focus of attention.

EC WORKS WITH SERBIAN GOVERNMENT ON ACTION PLANS

The European Commission (EC) is working with the Serbian government on the action plans for Chapters 23 and 24 relating to the judiciary reform, fight against corruption and fundamental rights, Christian Danielsson, director general of the EC Directorate General Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, has said.

At the first session of the Third meeting of the EU-Serbia Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee on Thursday, Danielsson said that judiciary should be independent, unbiased...