7.2.2023
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
C 47/91 Wednesday 6 July 2022
R. whereas according to UN surveys 47 % of Bosnians aged 18 to 29 are contemplating emigration, either temporarily or permanently, disillusioned by the lack of prospects at home; whereas, according to a UN Population Fund report, an average of 50 000-55 000 people — mostly skilled workers and professionals — leave BiH every year;
S. whereas official or unofficial glorification of convicted war criminals, ethnic or religious segregation and discrimination go against the very essence of the European project; whereas there is an urgent need to effectively outlaw denial of the Holocaust, genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity;
T. whereas BiH is currently facing the greatest instability since the war between 1992 and 1995; whereas certain political leaders of the Republika Srpska entity in BiH are using inflammatory rhetoric and engaging in destabilising actions, aiming to prepare a withdrawal from state institutions (including the military, tax system and judiciary) and set up independent authorities, which is a violation of the Dayton Peace Agreement; whereas certain foreign political actors actively support the disruptive and secessionist efforts of the Bosnian Serb leadership, led by Milorad Dodik;
U. whereas on 18 March 2022 the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/450 (9), prolonging the existing sanctions framework for individuals undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of BiH or the Dayton Peace Agreement;
V. whereas the Council regularly expresses its support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of BiH;
W. whereas malign foreign direct and proxy interference and disinformation aim to sow discord among different communities and destabilise the region, especially in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine;
Functioning of democratic institutions
1.
Underscores that the pace of EU accession is determined by the implementation of reforms aimed at guaranteeing the due functioning of democratic institutions, grounded in the rule of law, good governance and fundamental rights;
2.
Urges BiH and all of its political actors to show commitment and make significant steps towards EU membership by advancing on the 14 key priorities, in particular by restoring the independence of the judiciary, strengthening the rule of law and its values and principles across state institutions, intensifying and enhancing the fight against corruption and organised crime, fostering and securing media freedom and an enabling environment for civil society, and protecting vulnerable groups;
3.
Deplores that more than 25 years after the war has ended, the country is still facing divisions promoted by political elites, secessionist attempts and a high degree of corruption, which is contributing to a massive brain drain and demographic decline due to a lack of prospects;
4.
Welcomes the meeting of the EU-BiH SAPC of 17 June 2021 and the adoption of its rules of procedure, and underlines the importance of ensuring its functioning through an inclusive political dialogue and regular cooperation; regrets, however, the lack of genuine engagement by the Bosnian counterparts in pro-actively establishing constructive parliamentary cooperation, which would contribute to priority 3 of the 14 key priorities;
5.
Reiterates its clear support for BiH’s civic democratic transformation through European integration, based on unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all BiH citizens as enshrined in the constitution and in line with European Court of Human Rights decisions;
(9)
OJ L 91, 18.3.2022, p. 22.