The European Union (EU) on Thursday criticized the Serbian Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina for its “separatist rhetoric” and expressed concern over certain legislative measures taken.
“The EU has expressed deep concern about the legislative initiatives and announcements of Republika Srpska [República Sérvia] contrary to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path to the EU, including secessionist rhetoric, which undermines the country’s constitutional order,” reads a statement released this Thursday by the Council of the European bloc.
The European Council communiqué was published this Thursday, following the fifth meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council (SA Council) between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which took place on Wednesday.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided between two autonomous political entities: the Republic of Serbia [Republika Srpska] and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to the European Council note, the EU regretted the adoption of legislation in the Republic of Serbia concerning the inapplicability of decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“This legislation has no legal basis. The EU called on the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina to swiftly appoint the remaining judges of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure its proper functioning. In addition, the EU underlined that all political leaders should accede in a constructive dialogue to address domestic political issues as a priority”said the statement.
The EU reiterated its unequivocal commitment to the vision of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, united and sovereign country.
The European bloc also urged all political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to refrain from and refrain from divisive rhetoric and provocative actions, namely endangering the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity , and to end the glorification of convicted war criminals, such as and to actively promote reconciliation”.
According to the note, the EU welcomed the new milestone in EU-Bosnia-Herzegovina relations reached with the decision of the European Council in December 2022 to grant that Balkan country candidate status for the European bloc.
According to the EU, this decision opens an opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina on its way to the European bloc through the rapid implementation of ongoing reforms and alignment with European standards.
The European Union underlined the country’s need to strengthen the rule of law and take decisive action to strengthen the judiciary and to prevent and combat corruption and organized crime.
It also stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of expression, assembly and association, gender equality, protection and inclusion of vulnerable groups and ensuring inclusive and quality education for all.
Among other topics discussed at the meeting, the EU highlighted the monetary opportunities presented to the country by the Western Balkans Economic and Investment Plan and the European Green Deal. In this context, the country already received 63 million of the expected 70 million in budget support in May of this year.
Source: DN
