President of the Commission for Protection of Competition Dr. Miloje Obradović, met today with Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia H.E. Sem Fabrizi.

The main discussion topics related to activities implemented by the Commission for Protection of Competition aimed at advancing business environment in the Republic of Serbia, particularly those in relation to the accession of Serbia to the European Union, within Chapter 8: Competition Policy.

Dr. Obradović introduced Ambassador Fabrizi to the Commission’s activities to date and plans, particularly those concerning the alignment of competition policy legislative framework with the EU acquis.

It is underlined that competition policy in Serbia, and especially the work of the Commission for Protection of Competition, so far have positive assessed by the Brussels administration. In that context, President Obradović presented expectations that in this year’s EC Progress Report, the Commission for Protection of Competition will be again recognized as one of the parts of the Serbian administration whose operational activities are highly aligned with the EU acquis.

The Commission President also informed the interlocutor on project activities concerning the formation of the Western Balkans Forum of Competition Authorities, headquartered in Belgrade, as a jointly launched initiative by the Commission and EBRD. The parties also touched upon initial activities in relation to a Twinning project aimed at advancing the competition policy in Serbia, with the Italian Competition Authority selected as a partner institution. During the talks, particular emphasis is placed on a project segment with regard to training of judges of the Administrative Court, which should contribute to their advanced understanding of competition law and related implementation.

During the talks with President Obradović, Ambassador Fabrizi supported efforts of the Commission placed on securing a level playing field for all undertakings and underlined the importance of both further education on the competition policy on the market of the Republic of Serbia and continuous improvement of the Commission’s work.