A round table focusing on the "Challenges in the Application of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and Acquis Communautaire", within the framework of the Jean Monnet module of the Erasmus+ program, was held on 09 November, 2017 in the Study Hall of the Faculty of Economics and Engineering Management in Novi Sad.

The round table was attended by prof. Vladimir Medović Ph.D., as the Project Manager, Mr. Nikolas Bezel, Head of the Operational Sector for Judiciary, Internal Affairs and Social Inclusion of the EU Delegation to Serbia, prof. Zoran Pavlović Ph.D., as the Provincial Protector of Citizens - Ombudsman, Ms. Olivera Pejak Prokeš, Judge of the Appellate Court in Novi Sad and prof. Jelena Vapa Tankosić Ph.D., the approved lecturer within the project. Students of the Faculty of Economics and Engineering Management and the Faculty of Law in Novi Sad, as well as numerous experts from the field of law, also attended the round table and could take part in the discussion.

Prof. Marijana Carić Ph.D., President of the Council of the University Business Academy in Novi Sad, opened the debate, talking about the importance of international cooperation through projects, seminars, expert conferences and, above all, exchanges of students and teaching staff. "Lifelong learning and training are crucial nowadays due to the accelerated development of science in all fields, and if we do not accept such a concept, we are bound to experience not just stagnation but complete deterioration", said Prof. Marijana Carić.

Prof. Vladimir Medović Ph.D. emphasized that the stabilization agreement, which has been made for the period until Serbia becomes a member of the EU, should regulate economic and political relations with the European Union and significantly influence the shaping of the legal system of the Republic of Serbia.

Mr. Nikolas Bezel, Head of the EU Delegation in Serbia, pointed out at the round table that it is important to be primarily aware of the key challenges that Serbia is facing in the process of stabilizing its EU accession. The vital questions refer to the changes that need to be made and aligned with the acquis communautaire, which is of paramount importance both for Serbia and the EU.

The Provincial Protector of citizens (ombudsman) and Head of the Criminal Law Department at the Faculty of Law in Novi Sad, Professor Zoran Pavlović, talked about the greatest social benefits from investing in knowledge and professional training and their importance for the overall progress of the society. Later on, prof. Pavlović invited the present students to translate their ideas and thoughts into projects which will, hopefully, contribute to the development of our country and, as a result, improve its status as a true member of the European family of nations.

The monograph written by prof. Vladimir Medović Ph.D. and prof. Jelena Vapa Ph.D. was also presented at the round table. It has been published within the framework of the Jean Monnet Module - Accession of Serbia to the European Union, and it presents the results of a research carried out in the courts of Novi Sad (Basic, Higher, Commercial and Appellate Court) focusing on the competence of judges with regard to the implementation of the Agreement on stabilization and association and acquis communautaire. Expert comments and reviews of the study were given by Ms. Olivera Pejak Prokeš, Judge of the Appellate Court in Novi Sad, as well as present experts from the field of law.