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European Union Expectations for Serbia and Montenegro in Democracy, Human Rights, and Rule of Law

The European Union has published its latest report on the progress of Serbia and Montenegro in implementing reforms to join the EU. While both countries have made significant strides towards democracy, human rights, and rule of law, there is still much work to be done.

Progress and Challenges in Serbia

In Serbia, the government is expected to draft and adopt a new constitution that complies with Council of Europe standards and ensures the protection of national minorities’ rights. The report also highlights the need for adequate implementation of laws on local self-government and elections.

• Concrete steps needed:
  • Draft and adopt a new constitution
  • Ensure adequate implementation of laws on local self-government and elections
  • Demonstrate concrete evidence of improved cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
  • Undertake reforms to secure the impartiality of the judiciary and prosecuting bodies

Additionally, Serbia must demonstrate improved cooperation with the ICTY and undertake reforms to secure the impartiality of the judiciary and prosecuting bodies. The report also emphasizes the importance of ensuring the effective protection of witnesses and fighting against corruption and organized crime.

Progress and Challenges in Montenegro

In Montenegro, the government is expected to comply with the Constitutional Charter by organizing direct elections to the State Union Parliament and drafting a new constitution or constitutional amendment that complies with Council of Europe standards. The report also highlights the need for improved political dialogue between the government and opposition parties to reach consensus on important issues.

• Concrete steps needed:
  • Comply with Constitutional Charter by organizing direct elections to the State Union Parliament
  • Draft a new constitution or constitutional amendment that complies with Council of Europe standards
  • Demonstrate concrete evidence of improved cooperation with ICTY
  • Undertake reforms to secure the impartiality of the judiciary, prosecuting bodies, police, and security forces

Montenegro must also demonstrate improved cooperation with the ICTY and undertake reforms to secure the impartiality of the judiciary, prosecuting bodies, police, and security forces. Furthermore, legislation on national minorities’ protection must be enacted, and measures to fight against corruption and organized crime must be implemented.

Next Steps

The European Union will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance where necessary to support the reform process. Both countries must demonstrate tangible progress in implementing these recommendations to move closer to EU membership.

• The European Union will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance where necessary.
• Both countries must demonstrate tangible progress in implementing these recommendations to move closer to EU membership.