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Српска политичка мисао 1/2025

TRENDS IN CONTEMPORARY PARLIAMENTARY DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATIVE EXAMPLES OF BEST PRACTICES OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

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UDCUDC 323::342.533(497.11) Pages17-37 Year2025
Download PDF 10.5937/spm89-53252
Research overview

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine trends in contemporary parliamentary development and to determine the position of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and domestic parliamentary practice in relation to global processes. The legal-theoretical analysis begins with an exploration of the role of parliament in modern democracy, the expanding concept of parliamentary autonomy across multiple levels, the standards of a contemporary democratic parliament in the 21st century, and the growing significance of parliamentary diplomacy. Applying comparative legal and legal-dogmatic methods, the study finds that in the published five-year global parliamentary research reports (particularly those from 2017 and 2022), the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia is recognized and highlighted as an example of good and innovative practice. In this context, the paper identifies and analyzes the innovations that have been introduced and institutionalized in the parliamentary practice and normative framework of the National Assembly over the past 15 years. Key developments include the establishment of informal parliamentary groups (GOPAC, Women’s Parliamentary Network, Green Parliamentary Group, Economic Caucus, Energy Forum, Focus Group for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals), the introduction and regular holding of public hearings and committee sessions outside the National Assembly headquarters, the Green Chair mechanism, the Budget Office, and the public finance oversight portal. Finally, the paper explores current topics at the forefront of global parliamentary development trends over the past year, along with the latest published results, particularly those concerning the role of parliament in combating climate change and the democratic parliament indicators released at the end of 2023.

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