The prEUgovor coalition presents its latest Alarm – report on Serbia's progress in the implementation of policies in the areas covered by Cluster 1 (Fundamentals), with a focus on political criteria and chapters 23 (Judiciary & Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Justice, Freedom & Security) of the EU accession negotiations. The event will take place on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, at 11 AM at Hotel Metropol Palace (Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 69, Belgrade) and via Zoom.
The reporting period began with tragic events in May, which traumatized Serbian society, exposed systemic failures in the country, and initiated a series of reactive measures, as well as protests and demands for accountability. The end of October marked the Government's first anniversary, which entered a technical mandate after extraordinary parliamentary elections were called for December 2023.
The recently published Report of the European Commission shows that Serbia has been standing halfway on the reform path for nine years now. In critical areas from Chapters 23 and 24, it again received a 2 out of 5 score. Slower progress was noted in the area of the fight against corruption, while progress was made when it came to freedom of expression and public procurement. In Chapter 24, greater attention is paid to police reform and anti-trafficking.
How did the events mentioned above affect reform activities in Serbia in the area of the rule of law, especially the position of vulnerable groups and the initiated police reform? Where do assessments of prEUgovor and the European Commission coincide, and where do they differ, and why? What is the legacy of the outgoing Government on the European path? With what kind of public institutions is Serbia getting ready for new elections? What should be the priorities for the future Government in the area of rule of law and European integration?
These questions will be discussed by:
- Jasmina Krunić, ASTRA Anti-trafficking Action
- Nemanja Nenadić, Transparency Serbia
- Bojan Elek, Belgrade Centre for Security Policy
Moderator: Jelena Pejić Nikić, Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, prEUgovor coordinator
The working language of the conference is Serbian. Simultaneous translation into English will be provided.
Please, register HERE by 20 November, close of business, for online or in-person attendance.
The conference is organized with the support of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) and funded by the European Union. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of EED or the EU. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in this publication lies entirely with the coalition prEUgovor.
About prEUgovor
Coalition prEUgovor is a network of civil society organisations formed in order to monitor the implementation of policies relating to the accession negotiations between Serbia and the EU, with an emphasis on Chapters 23 and 24 of the Acquis. In doing so, the coalition aims to use the EU integration process to help accomplish substantial progress in the further democratisation of the Serbian society.
Members of the coalition are: ASTRA - Anti-Trafficking Action, Autonomous Women's Centre (AWC), Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP), Centre for Investigative Journalism in Serbia (CINS), Centre for Applied European Studies (CPES), Group 484 and Transparency Serbia (TS).
Key product of the Coalition is its semi-annual independent shadow report on Cluster 1 reforms in Serbia.
Follow prEUgovor activities on the official website, Facebook page and Twitter account.
Watch a short video with a retrospective on a decade of prEUgovor’s work (English subtitles).