Joint statement on the appointment of an ad hoc committee for nominations to the Communications Regulatory Agency (CRA)

The OSCE Mission to BiH, OSCE Representative on Freedom of Media, Delegation of the EU/EU Special Representative, U.S. Embassy, and the Office of the High Representative note the appointment yesterday of the members of the ad hoc committee for nominations to the Council of the CRA by the Council of Ministers. We strongly encourage committee members to work in a credible and transparent way to complete the work necessary to return the CRA to proper functioning. The outcome of this process, including parliamentary stages, must enable the CRA to work in line with international good practice and EU standards — including merit based appointments in accordance with the law and securing the political, financial and operational independence of the CRA. 
 
The state of media freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains an important priority of the international community. Professional, independent and unbiased media institutions are one of the most important aspects of a thriving democratic society and represent a core value of our organizations. We urge adherence to these principles and note that we are closely monitoring all legal developments and appointment procedures regarding public media and regulatory institutions.  The regulatory role of the CRA is critical to the independence and freedom of the media in BiH.  The legal process to appoint its governing council must meet the highest standards.

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