To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of misuse of Article 234 of the Serbian Criminal Code against the Serbian business community.

I am aware of the concerns of some members of the Serbian business community over the implementation of Article 234 of the Serbian Criminal Code. The UK Government support the calls in the European Commission's 2013 Progress Report for the implementation of Article 234 to be carefully monitored including with a view to a comprehensive review of economic crimes.

The UK, in supporting an EU future for Serbia and all countries in the Western Balkans, will continue to insist that applicant states fully comply with the EU's membership criteria before acceding, including in establishing the rule of law.