European Commission says Serbia needs to step up reforms in key areas

It warned that there has been no progress in the constitutional reform process which is on hold until after the June 21 parliamentary elections. “The constitutional reform process needs to be continued in a transparent and inclusive manner as soon as possible, including by preparing the required implementing legislation,” the document said.  

It said that the Law on the financing of political activities needs to be further amended to fully comply with all recommendations of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).  

The document added that the introduction of special anti-corruption sections in the Higher Prosecutors Office is starting to yield results but has not had a tangible impact on high-level corruption cases.  

The adoption of legislation on the Ombudsman, anti-discrimination, gender equality, and juvenile offenders is seriously delayed, the document said.  

It expressed concern over threats and violence against journalists as well as for the overall environment for the exercise of freedom of expression without hindrance which, it added, needs to be further strengthened, including in practice. “Transparency of media ownership and of allocation of public funds, especially at local level, also needs to improve,” it said.  

Serbia has taken some steps to combat terrorism and money laundering but the fight against organized crime needs to show better results and a more pro-active approach in financial investigations and asset confiscation, the document said.