Strasbourg, 14 February 2022
MEP Paulo Rangel expresses his concern about “the series of escalatory steps” in Bosnia and Herzegovina and calls for disruptive activities to be urgently reversed.
Following the vote by the Republika Srpska National Assembly, in favour of a law establishing a separate High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council in the Republika Srpska entity, Standing Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr Paulo Rangel issued the following statement on Monday:
“I am deeply concerned by the series of escalatory steps, including the Republika Srpska National Assembly’s latest vote on 10 February in favour of a law establishing a separate High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council.
This action undermines the rule of law, the legal order and the independence of the judiciary, violates the constitution and the Dayton Agreement, threatening the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also further reverses the country’s path towards EU integration and the implementation of necessary reforms, defined in the 14 key priorities.
I call upon the political actors to urgently reverse disruptive activities, de-escalate the situation and to fully re-engage in state institutions, working to preserve peace and enhance the democratisation of the country for the benefit of Bosnian citizens.”
Paulo Rangel (EPP, PT), Standing Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina