Council of the EU rejected conclusions on constitutionality

(Patria) - The Council of the European Union, in the conclusions of the session on enlargement and stabilization concerning BiH, stated that it regrets the crisis in the country and the blockade of institutions that has halted its progress in implementing reforms necessary for BiH's advancement on the path to joining the union. It called on political leaders to refrain from provocative rhetoric, questioning the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the state.

"Rhetoric and initiatives aimed at nullifying reforms and withdrawing from state institutions are unacceptable and threaten to jeopardize BiH's alignment with the EU acquis as well as its commitment to integration with the EU," one of the conclusions states.

It adds that the Council is aware of the elections held in Mostar and the adoption of strategies for public administration reform at all levels of government.

When discussing the institutional mechanisms of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the Council concluded that BiH must make amendments to its constitution and election law to remove discriminatory provisions concerning all its citizens, primarily highlighting the implementation of the Sejdić-Finci case ruling. They also warned against further steps that would prevent the implementation of this and other rulings of the Human Rights Court and called for open dialogue to eliminate all forms of discrimination in accordance with European standards.

"In this context, the Council calls on the Interdepartmental Working Group to urgently continue its work and present its proposals on reforms before the vote to improve the electoral framework," the conclusion states.

The Council emphasized its expectation that BiH will take the necessary steps towards implementing public administration reform in a way that ensures a depoliticized civil service and a coordinated approach to policy-making at the country level, particularly emphasizing the fight against and suppression of corruption.
Reverse the negative trend

They expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in the right to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists in BiH, but also praised positive steps in improving conditions for migrants residing in the country.

Regarding the economy, the Council concluded that BiH has made limited progress in establishing a functional market economy in terms of its ability to withstand pressures from the competitive EU market.

In this regard, they advised BiH to fully implement the policy guidelines outlined in the Joint Conclusions of the Economic and Financial Dialogue.

"The Council regrets the sharp decline in Bosnia and Herzegovina's alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and calls on the country to reverse this negative trend. On the other hand, it welcomes BiH's continued active participation in EU missions and operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy," one of the conclusions states.
Unambiguous support for a unified BiH

Finally, the Council also emphasized its unambiguous support for a unified, united, and sovereign BiH, expressing support for the extension of the EUFOR mission as well as the "5+2" conditions for closing the Office of the High Representative.

The European External Action Service did not include the phrase "to ensure equality of constituent peoples through electoral reform" (conclusions of Croatian deputies) in the text due to the lack of political will in the Council of Ministers of the EU for Foreign Affairs to support such a thing, N1 reports.