EU: RS is obliged to respect the competencies and decisions of domestic institutions, laws adopted in the NSRs undermine the constitutional and legal order

(Patria) - Legal acts adopted by the NSRs on February 27 and signed by the President of RS Milorad Dodik on March 5 undermine the constitutional and legal order of BiH and the functionality of domestic institutions, endangering the fundamental freedoms of its citizens, stated the EU Diplomatic Service (EEAS).

These actions, they add, are contrary to the obligations undertaken by Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards the European Union.

"Republika Srpska, like other entities, is obliged to respect the Constitution of BiH, domestic regulations, as well as the competencies and decisions of domestic institutions, including the Constitutional Court of BiH, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH, the Court of BiH, the Prosecutor's Office of BiH, and the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA)", announced the EEAS.

To preserve the constitutional order of BiH, they note, all domestic legal remedies must be used.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments.

Read more here: https://t.co/TyMXorjoUh pic.twitter.com/VxVG1NRkrS

— European External Action Service - EEAS 🇪🇺 (@eu_eeas) March 6, 2025

"The EU calls on the political leadership of the Republika Srpska entity to refrain from and reject provocative rhetoric and divisive actions, including questioning the sovereignty, integrity, and territorial integrity of BiH", said the EEAS.

They emphasize that political pressure on state officials to leave state-level institutions must stop. They also highlight the obligation to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of BiH.

"Following the decision of the European Council in March 2024 to open accession negotiations with BiH, the EU calls on all political actors to refocus on the European path, with decisive action to take all relevant steps to enable the adoption of the negotiating framework in the Council of the EU.

Progress on the European path is the best guarantee of stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with multiple benefits for the citizens of this country", concluded the EEAS statement.