Today we commemorate the Srebrenica genocide of July 1995. This heinous crime left deep scars in Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the European continent.

Today, we honour the victims. We stand by their relatives in their grief. And we confirm our strong commitment to help bring the perpetrators to justice. European integration starts with justice. It continues with reconciliation between nations and their joint work on a common project of peace, security and prosperity.

It is in this vein that I salute all the leaders of South East Europe who work for reconciliation and integration, who are willing to face harsh historical truths and who reach out to each other across dividing lines.

In particular, I welcome the decision of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia to attend the commemoration. His decision is an example of the forward-looking approach that is required for the countries of the region to move ahead on their path to the European Union, where their future firmly lies.