EU Delegation in BiH: We call on the RS Government to withdraw the draft laws, they are an obstacle on BiH's path to the EU

(Patria) - The adoption of draft legislation by the Government of Republika Srpska that further restricts the work of civil society, as well as the draft amendments to the Criminal Code of Republika Srpska, which abolish gender identity as a protected ground, represent threats to fundamental rights and democratic values. If these regulations, as such, are ultimately adopted and enter into force, they would represent an obstacle on Bosnia and Herzegovina's path to the European Union, the EU Delegation in BiH announced today.

"Therefore, the European Union calls on the Government of Republika Srpska to withdraw these drafts. The European Union reiterates that if Bosnia and Herzegovina strives for a future in the European Union, there must be no deviation from fundamental values. It is crucial for the domestic authorities to ensure an environment that enables the effective functioning of civil society, in line with the country's international human rights obligations and European perspective, as well as the protection of non-discrimination standards.

Last week, the EU welcomed the adoption of two laws important for progress on the European path. Bosnia and Herzegovina has realistic prospects of formally opening accession negotiations with the European Union in the coming months, if certain conditions are met. We call on the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to focus on progress that would visibly improve the lives of citizens and to refrain from actions that undermine fundamental rights and democratic values," the statement said.