On behalf of the institution of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Commissioner Brankica Janković acknowledged Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ekatarina Zaharieva for her support to Serbia in its EU accession efforts.

Commissioner Janković took part in a round table on the occasion of presentation of “Minority Policies – Strengthening Integration in Serbia” publication and emphasized how important the role of independent institutions was in improving the quality of life of all citizens. She also stressed good cooperation with National Councils of National Minorities as well as other stakeholders in our society dealing with human rights.

There is always room for further expanding cooperation with all organizations dealing with the promotion of the position of national minorities, said the Commissioner and underscored that with respect to the Bulgarian national minority, the institution of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality received the least number of complaints alleging discrimination.

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ekatarina Zaharieva said that this neighboring country, as a stalwart advocate of EU enlargement, would continue extending support to Serbia in its EU integration efforts in particular in the area of human rights.

The aim of the Forum for Ethnic Relations is to give its contribution to a better and more efficient implementation of the Action Plan for Exercising Rights of National Minorities and to offer support to Serbia on its EU accession path. In addition, another objective includes strengthening cooperation between our country and neighboring countries which are EU member states.

Round table participants included representatives of National Councils of National Minorities, independent institutions, National Assembly, Government, government institutions, judiciary, civil society organizations, experts and representatives of foreign missions of EU member states in the region to Serbia.