In the EU accession process, Serbia committed to a number of reforms, among which those falling under Chapters 23 and 24 are particularly demanding. As of July 2016 Serbia became obliged to implement the activities as stipulated in Action Plans 23 and 24, in order to meet the recommendations as set by the EC in the Screening Reports for these two chapters. In 2019 the Government of Serbia initiated revision of Action Plans for Chapters 23 and 24, which spell out the activities and dynamic of planned reforms in the period 2019-2021. In addition to being the most comprehensive set of reforms upon which Serbia has embarked, progress under these two chapters has been put under intensive scrutiny in line with the EC's new approach to enlargement and if there is insufficient progress made in these two chapters, it could put on hold accession talks for other chapters (break clause).
The overall objective of the project prEUgovor Monitoring Reforms in Chapters 23 and 24 implemented by the prEUgovor coalition is to substantively contribute to the implementation of policy reforms in Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Freedom, Security and Justice) within the EU accession process of Serbia. This will be achieved through conducting independent monitoring of the implementation of the Serbian Government’s Action Plans for two said chapters and by engaging stakeholders in a policy dialogue regarding the implementation of these reforms. The project will be implemented throughout 2020.
The activities proposed by this project will be jointly implemented by the seven organizations gathered around prEUgovor coalition, with expertise in various policy areas covered by Chapters 23 and 24: ASTRA - Anti-Trafficking Action (trafficking in human beings), Autonomous Women Centre (women’s rights), BCSP (security sector reform), Centre for Applied European Studies (democracy and rule of law), Centre for Investigative Journalism in Serbia (investigative reporting), Group 484 (migrations and asylum) and Transparency Serbia (fight against corruption).
Trademark activity of the prEUgovor coalition is the semi-annual shadow report on reform in Ch. 23 and 24, which has been published in continuity since 2013. Along with this activity, publications such as policy paper and legislative amendments will provide joint expert reactions to ongoing reforms and legislative changes.
The project is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Belgrade.