The strategic context and dynamics of the legislative process in Serbia is characterised by the country’s ambition to join the European Union (EU) and comply with EU standards. Serbia was awarded the status of the EU candidate country on 1 March 2012 and began preparing for the start of accession negotiations.The intensive legislative activities in Serbia, caused by the major reforms conducted since democratic changes in 2000, have generated numerous regulations over the last fourteen years reflecting introduction of market economy, development of democracy, improved protection of human rights… Both affected by the European accession process on one side and economic crises, on the other one, the regulatory process in Serbia is taking place in an environment that is undergoing substantial change.

Intensive legislative activity in practice showed weaknesses of specific legislative procedures which opened room for different interpretations, discrepant practices, difficulties in the implementation of the legislation, all of which affect legal certainty. The changed global environment (the economic crisis) and preparations for the EU accession, call for continuing activities to improve the process of drafting regulations. Regulatory policy reform needs to adjust and enforce appropriate regulatory measures based on evidence-based policy–one of key preconditions for implementability of the regulation.

As the European accession process evolves, the focus will shift from checking the formal alignment of national regulations with the acquiscommunautaire to assessing their enforcement and compliance in practice, which may result in corresponding sanctions. It is therefore necessary to ensure that there are adequate skills and knowledge for developing quality regulations and, in particular, for their successful implementation. Therefore, enforcing the efficiency of public administration is crucial in the coming period.