A delegation of the Council of Europe Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities is visiting Niš, Novi Sad and Belgrade from 18-22 March 2019 to evaluate progress made in the monitoring of the protection of national minorities in Serbia.

This is the fourth visit made by the Advisory Committee to Serbia. The Advisory Committee will have meetings with representatives of the government as well as civil society and national minorities to discuss the implementation of the Framework Convention with relevant stakeholders.

The delegation includes Ms Marie B. Hagsgård, Advisory Committee member elected in respect of Sweden, Mr Petter Wille, Advisory Committee member elected in respect of Norway, Ms Edita Žiobienė, Advisory Committee member elected in respect of Lithuania, and Mr Jean-Etienne Kautzmann, Administrator, Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Following this visit, the Advisory Committee will draw up its fourth opinion on the implementation of the Framework Convention in Serbia containing specific findings and recommendations for follow-up. The fourth opinion is expected to be adopted in June 2019.