Science has a very important place in making political decisions, especially in the area of ​​climate change that the world faces is the most important conclusion of the Science Meets Parliaments event, which was held in the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. Serbia is the first country outside the European Union to hold a debate with the support of the Joint Scientific Hub of the European Commission.

At a gathering organized on the occasion of the Serbian National Science Day, the Head of the EU Delegation, Ambassador Sem Fabrizi, said that European funds are helping a number of activities in the field of environmental protection, such as the construction of water purifiers, modern landfills and recycling facilities.

“The EU will continue to move towards a higher level of environmental protection and climate-responsive actions. We are happy to help Serbia on this path. This is crucial for protecting our planet, preserving the nature and health of future generations of Serbia, Europe and beyond”, said Ambassador Fabrizi.

The 2019 report states that Serbia has achieved a certain level of preparation in the field of environmental protection and that limited progress has been made, he said. Recommendations to Serbia are to strengthen the Green Fund, to introduce the principle for which polluter pays, as well as the adoption of laws and strategies on climate change.

Serbian Parliament Speaker Maja Gojković says that the aim of the debate is to draw attention to the importance of science in making political decisions and laws.

“Developed countries are constantly investing in innovative research, human resources, and recognize that this is not an expense but investment. Science resources have increased by 30 percent, and the Parliament and the Government of Serbia are ready to work on reforms for a better position of scientists”, says the president Parliament.

Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Mladen Šarčević especially notes the importance of the Law on Science and Research, passed on Monday, and the Science Fund Act.

“The Center for the Promotion of Science is becoming more visible and becomes the cap of the other centers. We are working on a new strategy of education and science, but much has yet to be done and changed to clog holes in that area,” announced Šarčević.

Montenegro’s Minister of Science Sanja Damjanović estimates that the concept of “Science Meets Parliaments” should be extended to other countries and that the countries in the region must work together to empower science and innovation.

The Conference is organized by the Center for the Promotion of Science, in cooperation with the Parliament of Serbia and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development.

The main event program consists of three-panel discussions with topics: Renewable Energy, Climate Change and Water, and Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases.