The process of Serbia's accession to the EU implies adapting to the legal framework, standards and practices in the EU, which has multiple effects on local self-governments. Some strategic and legal acts relevant to Serbia's accession to the EU contain principles and elements important for local authorities, while two thirds of their jobs are under the influence of European standards. This requires knowledge of European policies and legislation, new local acts and practices, the alignment of service levels and the respect and transfer of key European values to citizens.
SCTM is committed to improving the position and role of LSG in the process of Serbia's EU accession. In order to achieve this, we represent the interests of local authorities through participation in the activities of European and regional organizations. We develop cooperation with European local authorities and their associations in order to enable our local authorities to prepare for policy-making in the EU through the exchange of experiences and good practices in the application of EU standards and the implementation of joint projects. We are working on improving the dialogue with the central level of government by advocating for analytical attitudes about the impact of access on the competencies and capacities of towns and municipalities. We are also engaged in the preparation of strategies and regulations to comply with EU standards, as well as in the planning and implementation of EU funds. We are developing the knowledge and capacities of local self-governments for the implementation of EU standards through continuous education and establishing partnerships with other local authorities, civil society, and the private sector.
The SCTM will continue to improve the mechanisms for monitoring the impact of the accession process and EU membership on local authorities. We will prepare periodic reports and programme documents on the situation in the key negotiating chapters and impact on local self-government. This will be the basis for the active advocating of local self-government interests, both in the process of accession negotiations, as well as in the process of programming and supervision over the implementation of IPA funds. We are committed to participation of our local self-governments, as much as possible, in EU programmes, as well as quality cross-border and regional cooperation. We will pay special attention to developing the capacities of local authorities to implement EU standards, both through training, analyses, models, and through the establishment of a position of EU officers at the local level.