The European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate the implementation of reforms necessary for progress in the European integration process, assessing that strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law, and political accountability are crucial for continuing the path towards EU membership.
In the report adopted on Wednesday, MEPs confirmed their support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession and called for the implementation of long-awaited reforms that would strengthen democratic institutions, improve the fight against corruption and organised crime, and ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens.
The Foreign Affairs Committee report was adopted with 53 votes in favour, 14 against, and eight abstentions, with the next step being a vote at a plenary session of the European Parliament. MEPs called on political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to renew their commitment to the European path and to fulfil their undertaken obligations without delay. They emphasised that the EU accession process should contribute to political cohesion rather than deepening existing divisions.
The report also points to the need to end political obstructions, politically motivated vetoes, and divisive rhetoric, assessing that such phenomena slow down the country's European integration.
The Committee called on the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina to appoint a chief negotiator for accession negotiations with the European Union.
European lawmakers expressed concern over long-standing political divisions, hate speech, genocide denial, the glorification of war criminals, secessionist activities, and, as they state, state capture. They assess that such trends undermine citizens' trust in institutions, encourage emigration, and hinder the functioning of the state. The report also condemns the continuous cooperation of the authorities of Republika Srpska with Russian officials and entities under international sanctions, warning that such contacts pose a risk to the security and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
MEPs also expressed concern over foreign interference and disinformation campaigns, particularly from Russia and Serbia, as well as the growing influence of other external actors.
Regarding the preservation of stability, the Committee reiterated its support for the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and the EUFOR Althea mission, highlighting their important role in maintaining peace and stability. It was emphasised that any future change in the status of the Office of the High Representative must be in line with the constitutional order, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
MEPs rejected narratives that fuel ethnic tensions, promote historical revisionism, deny genocide, or glorify war criminals, while simultaneously welcoming Bosnia and Herzegovina's reform agenda and calling for its swift implementation.
The European Parliament's Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ondřej Kolář, stated that the European Union should continue its enlargement policy, but also that membership cannot be taken for granted.
"If Europe wants to be stronger, it must also be larger, geographically and politically. We would welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina into the European Union, but its efforts are often diminished by excuses or an insufficient capacity to reach agreements even within its own borders," Kolář stated.
(EUpravo zato)