Debate in the EP: Sanction those responsible for undermining the constitutional order of BiH

(Patria) - Calls to sanction those responsible for undermining the constitutional order of BiH marked the European Parliament session, which debated the situation in BiH and secessionist threats this evening after the RS authorities adopted a series of unconstitutional laws.

In his opening address, European Commission representative Christophe Hansen stated that BiH has entered an institutional and political crisis and called on BiH authorities to focus on reforms for the country's progress on the path to EU integration.

He said that the RS entity has made serious setbacks by adopting an unconstitutional law prohibiting the operation of four BiH judicial and security institutions in the territory of the RS, thereby endangering the constitutional order of BiH and the functionality of its institutions, writes Radio Slobodna Evropa.

"The EU expects decisions of the Constitutional Court of BiH to be respected and for politicians to refrain from actions that could create divisions and new tensions," said Hansen, emphasizing that the adoption of the Law on Foreign Agents in the RS endangers fundamental freedoms.

He recalled that due to the current situation, EUFOR decided to increase the number of personnel in BiH.

"The EU's response is clear and unambiguous. We expect the RS authorities to respect the decision of the Constitutional Court and suspend laws that endanger the constitutional order," said the European Commission representative.

During the debate among MEPs, which followed the opening address, calls were heard, among other things, to sanction those who violate the Dayton Peace Agreement.

This was requested by MEP Tineke Strik, at whose initiative the debate on the situation in BiH was scheduled, who said that "Dodik's illegal moves pose a threat to the peace and integrity of BiH".

"Dodik is not acting in the interest of the citizens or for their well-being. He is Putin's puppet in the Balkans and is ready to fulfill any request from Moscow, even if it means war. He is a criminal whose goal is to stay in power and enrich himself," said Strik.

She called on the EU to respond to Dodik's moves with sanctions, such as freezing foreign assets and banning entry into the EU, with the aim of protecting BiH.

Addressing the European Parliament session, MEP Ondrej Kolar said that the EU must influence the "weakening of the destructive influence of the Kremlin on the RS", emphasizing that "a hybrid war with Russia is also being waged in the Balkans".

"We know how it ended in Ukraine, and now we have to send soldiers to BiH to prevent what I watched as a boy in the media in the mid-90s from happening again. Those who violate the Dayton Peace Agreement should be sanctioned, and let's not fail BiH again," Kolar urged.

Croatian MEP Gordan Bosanac said that the news about separatist aspirations to partition BiH is worrying.

"It is important to support a whole and sovereign BiH and condemn any form of separatism. This is the culmination of failed policies," said Bosanac.

He stated that this is a system that for the last 30 years, instead of progress, has delivered fear and unrest, which is why it is time for change.

"I call on the citizens of BiH to resist separatism and not allow themselves to be drawn into hatred for the second time. We are waiting for you in the EU," added Bosanac.

MEP Davor Ivo Stier also stated that BiH needs peace and security, not divisions and undermining of the constitutional order.

"It is not a time for raising tensions, but for respecting the Constitution," stated Stier.