Serbian Parliament Advances Justice Reform amid Venice Commission Review

Serbian lawmakers continued an extraordinary parliamentary session, debating amendments to a set of justice laws that were adopted in January and subsequently reviewed by the Venice Commission. The government highlighted the commission’s positive opinion on the revisions, stressing that they aim to improve the efficiency, transparency and organization of the judiciary. Proposed changes cover the courts, public prosecution, high‑tech crime bodies and the law on organ transplantation, which opposition members argue could create loopholes for corruption.

During the session, members also discussed the return of resigning REM council participants, the financing of cultural projects, and the procurement of "sound cannon" devices, raising questions about procedural legality. In parallel, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution criticizing Serbia, which Serbian delegate Elvira Kovač described as politically motivated. The overall parliamentary debate reflects Serbia’s effort to align its legal framework with European standards while facing domestic political opposition.

The session is part of a broader push to meet EU integration obligations, with the government asserting that the reforms satisfy most Venice Commission recommendations, whereas critics warn of potential abuse of the new legal provisions.