Joint Statement by the Embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy and the European Union Delegation/EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Our goal is a stable, functional and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina, in which everyone can be fulfilled and enjoy the full protection of the law. Unilateral withdrawal from institutions, or blockages of decision-making within them, are unacceptable and counter-productive from any side and would only undermine the very improvements and progress that citizens wish to see.  They bear real life consequences when it comes to BiH’s relationships with other countries and the international community.  It also sends a negative sign to investors, as well as to the citizens of BiH, who are electing to leave the country.

Decisions of the BiH Constitutional Court, as decisions of any Constitutional Court in any country, are final and binding, and must be implemented. There have been far too many instances where this has not been the case.

Solutions to the composition of the Constitutional Court are possible within the prescribed procedures and along the wider reforms proposed by the EU for the accession process, such as the latest Opinion and the Priebe report.

Discussing such possibilities among political parties and in Parliament, through compromise and dialogue, is the best way to strengthen the rule of law and move the country forward to a point which will no longer require international supervision, thanks to the existence of an independent judiciary and clear division of powers.  

We remain available to support any genuine efforts to find a positive way forward.

Europa.ba