SARAJEVO, NOVEMBER 3 (ONASA) – Statement on behalf of the European Union by Olof Skoog, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the Security Council discussion on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
“It was my honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27 member states.
The candidate countries Turkey, North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Albania* and the Republic of Moldova join this statement.
The European Union welcomes the decision of the Security Council renewing the mandate of Operation EUFOR Althea, given its important role in supporting the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a safe and secure environment. The European Union welcomes the continued strong support of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the executive mandate of EUFOR Althea and its continued presence.
The EU once again emphasizes its full and unequivocal commitment to the perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s membership in the EU. The future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens is in the European Union. The EU will continue to strengthen and intensify its engagement at all levels to support the country’s political, economic and social transformation, including through continued assistance based on tangible progress in the rule of law and socioeconomic reforms, as well as respect for EU values, rules and standards from sides of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ensuring solid and irreversible achievements in the areas of rule of law, economy, functioning of democratic institutions and public administration reforms is still decisive for fulfilling the requirements for EU membership and represents a long-term investment in peace, democracy, prosperity, security and stability in Europe.
In December 2022, the European Council granted Bosnia and Herzegovina the status of a candidate country for EU membership, with the understanding that the steps specified in the recommendation of the European Commission are being taken in order to strengthen the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, migration management and fundamental rights. In the current geopolitical context, the EU emphasizes the urgency for the country to move forward on its European path, primarily through the fulfillment of all 14 key priorities for opening accession negotiations with the EU established in the Commission’s Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s request for EU membership, which was adopted by the Council of Europe of the Union in 2019. The European Union also calls on all political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement without delay the obligations stated in the agreement reached on June 12, 2022 and to urgently finalize the constitutional and electoral reform in accordance with 14 key priorities.
The EU welcomes recent steps taken by Bosnia and Herzegovina in line with these expectations and encourages further progress in reforms related to the European path in the coming months.
The EU is seriously concerned about laws and initiatives in the Republika Srpska entity that are at odds with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path, including secessionist rhetoric and questioning of the country’s constitutional order. We regret the adoption of the law in the Republika Srpska entity on the inapplicability of the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this entity. Furthermore, we regret the entry into force of amendments to the Criminal Code of the Republika Srpska entity, which reintroduce criminal sanctions for defamation. Respect for human rights, freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism, as well as freedom of action of civil society organizations, are key pillars of a democratic society. The EU emphasizes that it is necessary to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order and international subjectivity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Any action contrary to these principles leads to serious consequences.
The EU calls on all political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to refrain from and reject any provocations and moves that cause division, especially those that call into question the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country, and to put an end to the glorification of convicted war criminals and actively work on reconciliation.
The European Union reaffirms its strong support for the mission of High Representative Christian Schmidt in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The EU reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, united and sovereign country, according to the statement, announced today by the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina.