The programme, which is scheduled to last several days, has a number of focal points. It will provide an overview of the Swiss political system and public finances at the cantonal and federal levels, offer insights into the parliamentary system – with a tour of the House of Parliament and discussions with Swiss parliamentarians and members of the parliamentary committees – and explain the external financial audits and the role of the Federal Audit Office. The delegation will also learn about the federal parliament's communication with the media and the public.
This parliamentary exchange has been organised by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Serbian delegation is made up of nine members of parliament and its committees, as well as the director of the Serbian Audit Authority. They will be accompanied by two members of the SDC cooperation office in Belgrade and others.
The visit of the parliamentary representatives is an important part of Swiss transition cooperation with Serbia, whose parliament has been in the process of strengthening its legislative role, its task of representing Serb citizens and its supervisory functions for several years. Between 2009 and 2012, 800 laws and 200 ordinances were revised.
The determination to carry out reforms quickly and thus to advance the country – also with a view to EU membership – is firmly rooted. It has been acknowledged, however, that transparency and civic participation must be improved, and that maintaining professional standards in the work of the parliamentary committees depends on the support of parliamentary services, which are in the process of being set up. Switzerland is supporting Serbia with the current reform of the legislative body both at the national and local government levels.
Further information:
Bilateral relations
Website of the SDC cooperation office in Belgrade
Address for enquiries:
Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch
