The High Representative/EU Special Representative today expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in police reform:

“I was extremely disappointed by the news that the RS representatives have effectively withdrawn from the police restructuring process by downgrading their position in the Police Directorate Steering Board to that of observer status, given that the RS government has promised to play a constructive role in the process.

The RS authorities have said that they support the EU principles, support BiH’s path to Europe, and want to engage on this issue. But clearly, the RS representatives are not taking the opportunity to put forward their own proposals and engage in police reform constructively. 

I made clear in my speech to Parliament earlier this week how important police reform was for the long term future of the country and in the shorter term for issues like improving the visa regime for all Bosnia and Herzegovina’s citizens.

This country’s future lies with Europe. Wednesday’s action by the Republika Sprska government unquestionably delays that future, and will block the completion of the next formal step to that future: the signing of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement. The key to unblocking this impasse now clearly lies with the RS government.”