Co-rapporteurs Samad Seyidov and Maria Guzenina, Head of the Council of Europe Mission Tim Cartwright and Monitoring Committee secretary Sylvie Affholder were interested in the opposition’s stance on European integration and implementation of European values in the system of the Republic of Serbia.

MP Natasa Vuckovic said that the establishment of the rule of law and European values are some of the key challenges, such as the separation of powers, independent judiciary and free media. She expressed concern about the very low living standards in the country and its being advertised as a cheap labour force place. Vuckovic also spoke of the importance of resolving the case of Savamala and the attack on opposition activists in the local elections.

MP Dijana Vukomanovic said that one of the key problems is the citizens’ lack of trust of the institutions, violations of media freedom and human rights and the low level of support for Serbia’s EU accession. Vukomanovic said that stability and security are the biggest challenges for Serbia drawing attention to the increased rate of domestic violence against women and children and the worrying rate of fatalities since the begging of the year which the relevant institutions viz. the police, judiciary and social services are not preventing adequately.

Co-rapporteurs Samad Seyidov and Maria Guzenina, Head of the Council of Europe Mission Tim Cartwright and Monitoring Committee secretary Sylvie Affholder also met with National Assembly Deputy Speaker Djordje Milicevic, representatives of the ruling coalition and of the national minority parties.