“The Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU Special Representative, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, together with EU Heads of Mission accredited to Bosnia and Herzegovina, wish to underscore that an independent, capable and impartial judicial system is a fundamental guarantee for the rule of law, democracy and the respect for human rights.

While not commenting on individual legal cases, we condemn attempts in recent months to exert political pressure and improper influence on judicial institutions at all levels. Everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including official authorities, political leaders and civil society, have a duty to respect and observe the independence of the judiciary, which should be able to act free of any outside pressure.

We recall that the rule of law is one of the cornerstones of EU membership and at heart of the enlargement process.

Maintaining an independent, impartial and professional judiciary is of utmost importance for the European Union and for the rule of law applied equally for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”