EU Delegation to BiH and US Embassy on HJPC: Turn a New Page

SARAJEVO, (Patria) -  The European Union Delegation to BiH and the US Embassy expect the new leadership of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) of BiH to urgently accelerate judicial reforms necessary for BiH's integration into the EU, according to a joint statement by the delegation and the US Embassy.

The joint statement noted that the EU Delegation to BiH and the US Embassy acknowledged yesterday's elections within the HJPC for a new president, vice-presidents, and a permanent member of this institution, and assessed that this appointment should turn a new page.

It was emphasized that the HJPC's main priority should be the fundamental implementation of amendments to the Law on HJPC concerning integrity, after the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH adopts the current draft.

Amendments to the Law establishing a system for verifying assets, a legal remedy for appointment decisions, regulation of conflicts of interest for HJPC members, improved provisions on the dismissal of HJPC members, and improved disciplinary proceedings for judges and prosecutors will collectively strengthen the integrity of judicial office holders - the joint statement reads.

This, it is added, includes the establishment of an Integrity Department within the HJPC Secretariat responsible for verifying asset declarations, while ensuring that the improvement of appointment and performance evaluation practices remains a priority.

In line with the recommendations from the Priebe report, the HJPC must establish a rigorous and credible system for verifying asset declarations to begin restoring public trust in this institution and the entire judiciary - the EU Delegation and the US Embassy state.

The next steps, it is emphasized, taken by the HJPC will determine its credibility in the public eye, as well as among the donor community supporting this institution.

A credible, transparent, and reliable HJPC is a prerequisite for the functioning of the rule of law in BiH. We expect HJPC members to lead by example - the statement reads.

The joint statement adds that the EU Delegation to BiH and the US Embassy, along with other international partners, and most importantly, the citizens of BiH, will continue to closely monitor the work of the HJPC and the entire judiciary.

- We support constructive steps aimed at restoring trust and improving the functioning of the rule of law and the efficiency, integrity, and accountability of the judiciary - the joint statement reads, in which they thanked judge Sanela Gorušanović Butigan for her constructive role in ensuring the continuity of the Council's activities during the transitional period.