The Venice Commission has given a positive assessment of draft amendments to judicial laws passed in January by the Serbian Parliament. The final opinion will soon be available on the Council of Europe’s website and sent to the Serbian Parliament. This marks a significant step in Serbia’s quest to strengthen the rule of law and align with European standards.
Professor Vladan Petrov, President of the Constitutional Court and a Venice Commission member, expressed satisfaction with Serbia’s progress. Speaking to RTS, Petrov highlighted the intensive process of aligning draft laws with the Commission’s recommendations. “Serbia has done a lot in a short time and has largely prepared these amendments, which should soon enter parliamentary procedure,” Petrov stated.
The process began with an urgent opinion from the Venice Commission in April, noting both positive aspects and shortcomings in the proposed amendments. An intensive dialogue followed among representatives from the National Assembly, Ministry of Justice, and experts. Petrov mentioned near-daily communication with the Venice Commission, leading to aligned recommendations and continuous draft modifications.
A key issue was the lack of transparency in adopting the “Mrdić laws,” criticized by the Venice Commission. Petrov acknowledged this: “The procedure for adopting these laws was not sufficiently transparent. This is indisputable, and the Venice Commission pointed it out. We have significantly improved this in the second phase after the urgent opinion.”
The draft follow-up opinion commends Serbian authorities’ constructive cooperation and swift efforts to implement recommendations. Petrov noted that eight out of nine specific recommendations have been fully met, with only a technical alignment pending for the ninth. “We have essentially fulfilled all the recommendations from the urgent opinion of April 2026,” he affirmed.
These amendments are crucial in Serbia’s judicial reform process, aimed at enhancing judiciary independence and efficiency. Changes are expected to tackle issues like appointment and evaluation of judges and prosecutors, long-standing points of contention. By aligning its judicial framework with European standards, Serbia aims to bolster its EU membership prospects and improve its international standing.
The Venice Commission’s positive feedback testifies to Serbia’s commitment to reforming its judicial system. However, challenges remain. Transparency and inclusivity in legislative processes are critical areas for improvement. As Serbia advances these reforms, continued engagement with international bodies like the Venice Commission will be vital for ensuring effective changes.
This positive assessment by the Venice Commission marks a significant milestone in Serbia’s judicial reform efforts.
