Context
January 2014 saw the official start of Serbia’s European Union accession negotiations. In the coming years, the ongoing negotiations for the accession process will be given the highest political priority. They present the country with a great challenge, especially for the public administration, the judiciary and other state institutions. The legal reforms that derive from Chapters 23 (Judiciary and fundamental rights) and 24 (Justice, freedom and security) of the Community acquis – the body of European Union law – will be especially significant for the state institutions.
Objective
The implementation and public promotion of the legal reforms and of the legislative processes have improved, especially with respect to Serbia’s EU accession process.
Approach
The legal and judicial reform program supports the development of a legal and institutional framework to enhance the rule of law and sustainable economic growth, thereby assisting Serbia on its path to European Union membership. It is delivering tailor-made solutions to support Serbia’s national institutions in carrying out the reforms, addressing above all the challenges accruing from Chapters 23 and 24 of the Community acquis.
The program cooperates intensively with many national partners, while ensuring that the support provided meets the needs and priorities of the national legal reform agenda. At the same time, it is also building networks with expert professionals at national, regional and international levels, and promoting dialogue and exchanges of know-how.
The legal reform program is being co-financed by the European Union under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA 2012).
Results achieved so far
§ Efficiency and participation of the respective actors have improved, as has the transparency of the governmental and parliamentary legislative process.
§ The civil servants’ knowledge regarding the laws and by-laws has been improved.
§ The necessary preconditions have been put in place for the successful introduction of a notary public office in Serbia.
§ Serbia has successfully completed its preparations for the EU negotiations on Chapter 23 (Judiciary and fundamental rights). The negotiating team is ready for the pending talks.
§ Public interest in the legal reforms and the topics related to each of the EU negotiations is constantly growing.