New prosecutorial laws bring more freedom but also responsibility for decision-making for prosecutors at all levels. They continue the process of decentralisation of power in public prosecution, as was explained at the annual conference of the Association of Public Prosecutors and Deputy Public Prosecutors of Serbia.

The conference entitled “What can we expect from the new prosecution laws?” was also attended by the deputy head of the EU Delegation in Serbia, Plamena Halačeva.

Representatives of the Association of Public Prosecutors of Serbia participated in the development of the working versions of the Law on Public Prosecution and the Law on the High Council of Prosecution which were discussed at the conference. These two laws were drafted by the Ministry of Justice’s working group and followed by public debate. Now, the proposals are awaiting the opinion of the Venice Commission.

Responding to the proposals, Halačeva said, “Increasing the autonomy of prosecutors and greater powers of the High Council of Prosecutors are important steps not only as an adequate response to crime but also for a more effective fight against organised crime and corruption, which is in the interest of the citizens of Serbia”.