Within the presidency of the Republic of Serbia, the X meeting of the Conference of the European Integration Parliamentary Committees of the States participating in the Stabilisation and Association Process (COSAP) has begun in Belgrade today, gathering parliamentary delegations of Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro, while representatives of Turkey, and for the first time delegation of Kosovo*, attended the Conference as guests.

The meeting was marked by a discussion on the topics such as Enlargement strategy and key challenges in 2014/2015, economic reforms and social dimension within the process of joining the European Union. On the occasion, participants emphasised that the progress of neighbouring countries, with regard to European integration, was visible, and stressed the need for joint actions with the aim of solving the open issues through a constructive dialogue, mutual communication and cooperation. The overall integration process is based on the principles of economic development and competition, i.e. building of democratic institutions and respect of human rights. In all those processes, parliaments’ role was emphasised in terms of adopting the relevant provisions, reaching a consensus on vital questions, control of the executive power and finally through the oversight over the adequate application of the reforms.

Chairperson of the European Affairs Committee of the Latvian Parliament, the state currently holding the presidency of the European Union, Ms Lolita Čigane, said that European Union was continuing the enlargement policy, but that it was important to have in mind crucial enlargement aspects, such as: securing the peace and security in Europe, economic development and investments, aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens.

In his address to the present, Chairperson of the Committee on European Integration Mr Slaven Radunović said that developmental path of the Committee was maturing in its activities from the body competent for the formal monitoring of Government’s positions in respect of harmonisation of new legislation with the EU acquis to the Committee which represented the umbrella body in a parliamentary dimension of negotiation process. However, speaking on key challenges, Mr Radunović pointed out to necessity of achieving the measurable results within the chapters 23 and 24, measuring the capability of the state to provide a space of security and freedom for citizens and the place for investments for investors.  

Within the topic devoted to economic reforms, parliamentarians, each from the perspective of their own country, spoke on problems of overcoming the economic crisis, and consolidation in economic terms, but also making efforts with the aim of resolving social issues in the joining process. On the occasion, member of the Committee on European Integration Mr Predrag Sekulić invited colleagues to direct their parliamentary rhetoric to stating joint proposals with the aim of attracting foreign investments and capital, which would result in economic growth, necessary for further resolving of social issues.

On behalf of the Committee on European Integration the following are participating in the X COSAP meeting – Chairperson Mr Slaven Radunović and members Mr Šefkija Murić and Mr Predrag Sekulić.

The meeting will be continued tomorrow, when the adoption of the Joint Statement and assuming of presidency of the COSAP initiative are expected.