Yesterday, following his meeting with the Head of the EU Delegation/EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador Johann Sattler, the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Radovan Viskovic misrepresented both Ambassador Sattler’s words and the EU position on the Office of the High Representative (OHR).
The European Union supports the mission of High Representative Schmidt and his Office. Threats against High Representative Schmidt, the campaign to undermine his legitimacy by the RS leadership, undermining the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina and divisive rhetoric and actions are unacceptable.
During the meeting, Ambassador Sattler recalled the EU’s longstanding position, which is that on the path to the European Union, the 5+2 Agenda will need to be fulfilled, allowing the OHR to be closed. In principle, extensive international supervision and the use of executive powers are incompatible with EU membership. Also, executive powers are a measure of last resort, EU Delegation in BiH stated in the press release.
Ambassador Sattler moreover emphasised that the criminalisation of defamation, as well as draft legislation to limit the freedom of civil society are significant steps backward for fundamental freedoms, a key element of the 14 Key Priorities. He strongly called for the draft legislation on civil society to be immediately withdrawn from legislative procedure.
The EU Ambassador also urged PM Viskovic to ensure that the current opportunities presented by the new momentum on EU enlargement are not missed. The EU expects support for reforms that enable progress on the EU path. This includes for example the Law on Courts and the Law on Conflict of Interest the introduction of electronic signatures.
Reforms to strengthen democracy and human rights, fight corruption, improve the business climate and support the green and digital transition are the only way to a more stable and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina and a future in the European Union.
