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News from the Field: Strengthening parliamentary oversight and citizen engagement in Serbia

Serbia is presently undergoing vast reforms, passing complex economic and other legislation, often with a sense of urgency, motivated by EU accession and a desire to "catch up". The National Assembly of Serbia currently plays a relatively minor role in the transition process. However, there is an increasing support for more meaningful participation of citizens in decisions that affect them.

The project entitled Parliament in Transition - Strengthening Accountability in Serbia", supported by UNDEF, is based on the proposition that parliament should be a vital democratic institution serving as a bridge between state and society by carrying out its legislative, oversight, and representative functions in ways strengthening good governance, including accountability, transparency, integrity and participation. .

This engaging initiative is jointly implemented by the Parliamentary Centre-a Canadian not-for-profit organization devoted to improving the effectiveness of representative assemblies and governance mechanisms in Canada and around the world-and ProConcept-a Serbian non-profit organization promoting civil society organizations (CSOs) as active, productive and respected partners in shaping public policies through increasing the effectiveness and professionalism of organizations, leaders and partnerships in Serbia. Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, and civil society organizations in Serbia are indeed encouraged to work together to oversee the government by holding public consultations on important government policies and initiatives, particularly as they relate to the state budget and anti-corruption.

The objective/purpose of this two-year project is threefold: (i) to strengthen accountability, transparency and participation across the parliamentary system in Serbia; (ii) to strengthen the representative and oversight roles of elected officials and promote a more active role for the legislature in Serbia's transition; (iii) to increase citizen participation and strengthen the role and participation of CSOs in decision making and as key partners to development and reform.

Following the latest parliamentary elections in Serbia in January 2007, it took nearly four months for a coalition government to be formed and the National Assembly only began its new session in June 2007. The project implemented its first activity in July, which included a series of consultations with members and staff of three important parliamentary committees-Finance, Health and Family, and Gender.

Mr. John Williams, Member of Parliament from the Canadian House of Commons, spearheaded these consultations. Mr. Williams is Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons, and Chair of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians against Corruption (GOPAC). He spoke about the important role that legislators play-both individually and as a group-in fighting corruption and overseeing government spending to ensure that citizens receive the most value for money in state services. Additionally, Mr. Williams talked about the important role that civil society plays in bridging the gap between the government and ordinary citizens.

The July consultations were successful as they secured the support of parliamentarians in Serbia in strengthening the role of the National Assembly in Serbia's transition. Discussions ensued about future activities, including study visits, training session and other initiatives for members of parliament, parliamentary staff, and civil society partners. These activities will commence in the fall of 2007.

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