The inauguration event of the European Union funded Twinning project “Strengthening Capacities of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia in the process of EU Integration” was held on February 13, 2013 at the House of the National Assembly.
The main speakers were Ms. Milica Delević, President of the European Integrations Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Vincent Degert, Head of the European Union Delegation in Serbia, Mr. Akis Gerontopoulos, Vice President of the European Issues Committee of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Efthymios Karanasios, President of the Greek-Serbian friendship Parliamentary group at the Hellenic Parliament and Dr. Vasilios Svolopoulos, Project Leader from the Hellenic Parliament.
Ms. Milica Delević, opened the event by emphasizing the significant role of the National Assembly especially in the EU integration process and the importance of the presented project.
H.E. Mr Vincent Degert expressed confidence that the cooperation between the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and the Hellenic Parliament will help this project achieve its goals. He added that the project supports the changes that Serbia should implement in the process of European integration expressing certainty it will deliver results and strengthen the legislative and oversight function of the National Assembly.
Mr. Efthimios Karanasios, who spoke in Serbian, reminded of the Greek-Serbian historical friendship and expressed expectation that the project will contribute to the strengthening of cooperation between the two Parliaments. Finally, Dr. Vasilios Svolopoulos presented the methodology, action plan and components of the project.
More than 150 attendees were present at the inauguration event, such as Members of the Parliament, the Service of the National Assembly, representatives of the Ministries and Independent State Institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of international organizations, NGOs, universities and the media.
This EU Twinning project aims to increase efficiency, liability and transparency of the National Assembly of Serbia in the EU integration process. Furthermore, it’s goals is to strengthen the representative role of the National Assembly, its legislative function and the oversight function towards the executive on the highest institutional level, during the process of EU integration of Serbia. The project activities will enable the transfer of EU best practices, exchange of experiences and specialized know-how between the Parliaments of EU Member States and National Assembly, Government and Independent State Institutions of Republic of Serbia. Member State experts from Greece, Slovakia and Belgium will cooperate with the Serbian experts during project operation from January 2013 till June 2014.
The event was organised by the project office in Belgrade directed by Resident Twinning Advisor Dr. Fotis Fitsilis. The project will be implemented by the Hellenic Parliament and the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.