EU Delegation/U.S. Embassy Joint Statement on Recent Moves Regarding the RTV FBiH Steering Board

Ambassador Patrick Moon

Ambassador Peter Sørensen

 

Free, professional, independent and unbiased media institutions are one of the most important aspects of a thriving democratic society and represent a core value of the European Union and the United States. To that end, the EU and the U.S. are monitoring all legal developments and appointment procedures regarding media institutions very carefully.

In this delicate area which directly impacts on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aspiration to become a member of the European Union, we ask all institutions of the country respect existing legal provisions and to act with great care and to avoid procedures regarding public media institutions which could go against the above mentioned principles.

Solidifying the independence of the media begins with renewed focus on strengthening the independence of all of BiH’s public broadcasting system and the Communications Regulatory Agency. The EU will also continue to measure Bosnia and Herzegovina‘s progress towards the EU in the context of whether and how well the country follows rule of law principles and ensures free, professional, and independent media.  The U.S. will continue to follow this issue closely, including in its annual human rights report.

Europa.ba