Borrell and Varhelyi: The Srebrenica genocide is one of the darkest moments in modern European history

(Patria) - The Srebrenica genocide, committed 29 years ago, is one of the darkest moments in modern European history, according to a joint statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.

"It is our duty to remember the over 8,300 boys and men who were systematically killed in the hills around Srebrenica.

We call on leaders to reject divisive rhetoric and work towards truth, justice, trust, and dialogue.

Healing the wounds of the past requires acknowledging and teaching historical facts, paying tribute to and remembering the victims, identifying those still missing, and bringing all perpetrators to justice, all of which are crucial for confronting the causes of hatred that led to the genocide.

We must build bridges to reconciliation together. There is no place in our ranks for genocide deniers, those who try to rewrite history and glorify war criminals," the statement reads.

European officials remind that in March 2024, the European Council made a decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"This is a key opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance reforms to improve democracy, prosperity, and security for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and bring the country closer to membership in the European Union. We reiterate our unequivocal commitment to the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the European Union as a single, indivisible, and sovereign country," the statement reads.