Source: Danas
European Commission's expert mission visits Commissioner for Information of Public Importance
EC experts aware of the gap between what happens in practice and what is written in laws
Belgrade - I told the European Commission's expert delegation that I expected an unbiased report on Serbia's compliance with the requirements for joining the visa waiver regime with the EU, the so-called Schengen "white list"; I also said I expected the report to contain certain recommendations, even imperative ones if necessary, to support the adoption of a political decision on this issue in the European Union. I explained that many Serbian citizens are interested in European integration and visa liberalization and reminded that any sign of progress in this regard would also be conductive to the fight against corruption - Commissioner for Information of Public Importance Rodoljub Sabic said after the talks with EC experts yesterday. Commissioner reported that the two parties concluded it was imperative to increase the transparency of Serbia's public authorities to foster reforms.
According to Mr. Sabic, EC experts wanted to know about the implementation of enacted legislative provisions for combating corruption and about the "apparent gap between what is happening in practice and what is written in laws."
- It was noted that many public authorities and officials failed to implement the laws on public procurement, access to information of public importance and conflict of interest. The current situation is characterized by a lack of discipline and absence of sanctions and their enforcement. We agreed that this issue had to be addressed and changed - Mr. Sabic said. Commissioner explained it is highly indicative independent institutions in Serbia are facing problems in that they do not even have the barest necessities for their operation; he added this was particularly true of the State Audit Institution. Mr. Sabic informed the Commission's experts about the new Personal Data Protection Law and possible results of its implementation, as well as about Commissioner's current activities aimed at implementation of that Law. The EC mission has been in Belgrade since Monday and its task is to assess Serbia's preparedness to access the Schengen "white list" and to identify the steps taken by Serbian authorities in the fight against organized crime and corruption. The mission had talks with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Ivica Dačić, and the State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Slobodan Homen. The delegation will stay in Belgrade until 6 February.
