Clean Up Corruption & Organised Crime Before You Join, Europe Tells Serbia
Serbia has to clean up its record on corruption and organised crime, a European Commission report says. While recognising efforts already made in a Justice Ministry crack-down, the commissioners claim there are still too many cases stagnating in the system and not brought to court or conviction. If Serbia wants to progress to full candidacy of the European Union, it must clean up its own back yard first, they say.
While highlighting the issue of Kosovo as a significant stumbling block and condition in Belgrade’s journey towards Brussels, the report on Serbia’s level of EU readiness recommends that Serbia should be granted candidate status. Its recommendation is also based on the condition that further progress is seen in key areas, including infrastructure, the legislature, human rights and the economy.
In its report, the European Commission praises Serbia’s constitutional, legislative and institutional framework and supports the current parliament’s increasing focus on its EU-related reform agenda. But while it sees that the government has upgraded some of its procedures and parliament has become more effective in its legislative activity, the report sees scope for improvement. The problem does not lie with the laws but with the system of upholding and prosecuting for breaking those laws, it says.
The Minister of Justice’s campaign against corruption and organised crime in Serbia comes in for special mention in the EC report, appreciating that a much-needed review of the outdated strategy for the fight against corruption has been instigated. The report notes that some results have been seen against corruption and organised crime, most notably due to reforms to the judiciary, increased resources for the new Anti-Corruption Agency and an improved willingness to cooperate with international criminal agencies.
But while significant results have been achieved, such as the dismantling of a major international drug-trafficking ring, the incidence of money laundering and drug smuggling in Serbia remain key areas of concern to Europe.
The flawed rate of conviction also needs to be tackled. Although adequate legal structures for fighting corruption are in place, there is need for a more proactive approach and greater success in the courts, with too many cases stalling in the system, the report points out. “Corruption remains prevalent in many areas and continues to be a serious problem,’ it says. “Stronger political will is essential in order to significantly improve performance in combating corruption. The track record of investigations, prosecutions and final convictions in corruption cases at all levels needs to be gradually and significantly built up.”
The report goes on to raise concern about corruption in the supervision of public procurement, privatisation and construction permits, and calls for greater parliamentary oversight and improvements in the planning, coordination and implementation of government policy. The commission adds that there is need for improved cooperation at regional and international levels. Serbia’s independent regulatory bodies do not come off lightly, criticised as toothless dogs, their recommendations being implemented too rarely.
Commerce also comes under the spotlight, with great room for improvement. One area in need of address is better implementation of a merit-based career system, the report states. In Serbian business it would seem that it is still a matter of whom you know, more than what you know. Clearly, that should not be the case.
The EC report praises ‘substantial reforms’ in recent years, taking Serbia towards greater stability in democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities. “The legal and policy framework for human rights and the protection of minorities in Serbia is, overall, in line with European standards,’ the report claims. “However, implementation of the legislation needs to be stepped up. Advanced training of the administration, the police and the judiciary remain to be developed to ensure more active and consistent application of standards in this field.”
Media freedoms, protecting journalists and editors from intimidation and threats, as well as safeguarding against pressure over advertising choices or editorial comment is at the heart of European rights. Traditionally, this has been an area where Serbia has needed action.
The report notes that Serbia’s newly adopted media strategy aims to clarifying the legal and market environment for media, although the commissioners go further in saying that Europe expects more comprehensive and proactive action from relevant institutions in cases of threats and violence against journalists and media, most notably from radical groups. The Commission will monitor the implementation and application of these laws, it says.
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