Minister for European Integration: We View Brussels’ Criticism as Reform Guidelines
Serbia is seriously analyzing the content of the European Commission’s report on our country – much of what is stated we are already implementing, reforms are underway, and we remain firmly committed to the reform agenda, said Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic.
The latest European Commission report on the rule of law in Serbia contains a number of criticisms related to the independence of regulatory bodies, political pressure on the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and the transparency of public procurement.
"This is a relatively new mechanism primarily used by the European Union to assess member states, and since last year, some candidate countries, including Serbia, have also been included," Starovic explained.
He added that although candidate countries do not receive formal recommendations through this report, the content related to Serbia is taken seriously and analyzed within the framework of ongoing reform processes.
The European Commission expressed concern over the insufficiently effective fight against high-level corruption, particularly highlighting the rarity of investigations and convictions, as well as the low rate of asset seizures. In response, Starovic stated that state institutions have already launched a comprehensive action in that area.
Foto: Milena Đorđević
"Since the beginning of the year, we have seen tangible results – numerous investigations, arrests, and proceedings. The legal framework is solid, but greater efficiency and coordination among competent bodies are needed," said the Minister for European Integration.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening a “culture of integrity,” which, in his words, begins at home and in schools.
Public Procurement Under Special Scrutiny
Criticism was also directed at the public procurement system, particularly regarding exemptions in major infrastructure projects carried out through intergovernmental agreements.
"The Law on Public Procurement is strict and systemically well-designed. However, exemptions exist in the case of agreements with foreign countries, which is not unique to Serbia. Without these arrangements, it would be difficult to maintain our current pace of infrastructure development," said Starovic, citing examples of cooperation with China.
Pressure on the Judiciary
The European Commission specifically pointed out political pressure on the judiciary and inadequate responses from the High Judicial Council to public statements made by state officials. Starovic recalled that Serbia has already implemented significant constitutional changes aimed at increasing the independence of judicial institutions.
Foto: Milena Đorđević
"In January 2022, through a referendum, we amended the Constitution to further distance the judiciary from the influence of the executive and legislative branches. The implementation of these changes is ongoing and represents an important step in aligning with European standards," he stated.
A Useful Message from Brussels
Starovic concluded that the European Commission’s report should be viewed within the broader context of the EU’s internal situation. He noted that serious issues regarding the rule of law and public perception of the judiciary also exist within member states, showing that these challenges are universal.
"The Eurobarometer shows that 69 percent of EU citizens believe corruption is widespread in their countries. That’s why we interpret reports like this as guidelines, not solely as criticism," Starovic concluded.
Emisija kolažnog tipa koju čine prilozi naših dopisnika sa zanimljivim pričama iz čitave Srbije, ali i regiona Balkana. Teme nisu vezane za dnevne događaje već obrađuju zanimljive priče iz ugla običnog, malog čoveka, koje su karakteristične za različite krajeve.
specijal
21:00
SINTEZA
Lako je postaviti pitanje, umeće je dobiti pravi odgovor. Sinteza - ozbiljna priča!
specijal
22:00
DOKUMENTARNI PROGRAM-STROGO POVERLJIVO
Strogo poverljivo nudi dubinski prikaz jedne od najintrigantnijih faza regionalne istorije, pružajući uvid u prošlost koja i dalje ima snažan uticaj na savremeno društvo.
dokumentarni
23:00
NEWSMAX USA-TOP STORY
Prikazuje karusel dnevnih objava I najnovijih vesti, sagledanih iz svih uglova. Spoj popularnih priča I najvažnijih vesti koje ostaju vidiljive danima, često inspirisana glavnim događajem dana ili nedelje.
Veliki šumski požar koji je izbio u sredu uveče u šumovitom području Glikadija na severnom egejskom ostrvu Tasos nastavio je da gori i u četvrtak, a situacija, prema izveštajima, opisana kao teška.
Dopisnik Newsmax Balkans iz Amerike Antonije Kovačević istakao je da je Teksas u žalosti, da zvone zvona na crkvama svako veče i podsećaju ljude na one koje su izgubili u proteklim danima. Broj stradalih popeo se, kako je naveo, na 111 i još se traga za nestalima.
Hitler i kukasti krst u nekim delovima Evrope više nisu tabu tema ili nečija provokacija. Nemačke vlasti, na primer, posebno na istoku zemlje, posebno su zabrinute jer se sve više mladih ljudi radikalizuje.
Sedmorici privedenih nakon protesta u Užicu, koji se sumnjiče za napad na službeno lice, određen je pritvor do 30 dana, potvrđeno je za Newsmax Balkans iz tamošnjeg Osnovnog suda.
The Government of the Republic of Serbia announced that it has formed a Commission for Damage Recovery following the fires that affected several areas of Serbia during July this year and has allocated 350 million dinars to assist those impacted.
Georgia has officially confirmed its participation in the Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2027 Belgrade, which will take place from May 15 to August 15, 2027, under the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All".
U.S. President Donald Trump has notified more than 10 countries of new tariff rates set to take effect on August 1, with Serbia facing tariffs of 35 percent. He noted that such tariff policy could change if a trade agreement is reached.
Two cadets of Serbian origin from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point are currently in Serbia as part of a military exchange program. They participated in the "Platinum Wolf” exercise, worked with members of the Serbian Armed Forces, and visited the regions their families come from.
During the previous night, members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) conducted identity checks on a total of 1,297 individuals, while 79 people were taken to police stations.
The CEO of Telekom Srbija, Vladimir Lucic, stated that the company's operating profit increased by more than 250 million euros, while net profit rose by nearly 50 percent.
Members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducted identity checks on a total of 976 individuals during the previous night, while 72 people were brought to police stations, the ministry reported.
Serbian Minister for European Integration, Nemanja Starovic, stated that the summit of Western Balkan leaders and representatives of the European Commission in Skopje was an opportunity for Serbia to once again confirm its full commitment to the EU integration process, and that official Belgrade exp
Komentari (0)