EU Foreign Affairs Council: Concern over Dodik's referendum

At today's meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the following conclusions were adopted:

1. The Council reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the European Union membership perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, united and sovereign state. In this context, the Council welcomes the adoption of the Reform Agenda and Programme by the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in July 2015, which represents an important step for the credible implementation of measures to which the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina have committed themselves. The Council calls on the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain positive momentum in the implementation of reforms, in line with the demands of citizens and in cooperation with civil society. Meaningful progress in the implementation of the reform plan will be a necessary condition for the European Union to be able to consider the membership application, in line with previous Council conclusions.

2. Following the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), Bosnia and Herzegovina should fully fulfil its obligations arising from this Agreement, including obligations related to the adaptation of the SAA.

3. The Council expresses serious concern over preparations for calling an entity-level referendum in the Republika Srpska on state-level judicial institutions. Holding such a referendum would challenge the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It would also risk undermining efforts to improve the socio-economic situation of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and further progress in EU integration. Existing shortcomings in the justice sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be addressed within the framework of the Structured Dialogue on Justice.

4. The EU will continue to use all available instruments of support for Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order for this country to move forward in the reform processes and on its path towards the EU.

5. The Council welcomes the continuation of Operation Althea, which retains the ability to contribute to the capacities of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to respond if the situation so requires, with an emphasis on capacity building and training. In this context, as part of the overall European Union strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council confirms the EU's readiness to continue at this stage to carry out an executive military role to support the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a safe and secure environment, under a renewed UN mandate.

6. The Council reiterates its agreement that regular assessments of this operation be carried out, with the aim of assessing progress regarding the conditions for the execution of its mandate. In this context, further activities of Operation Althea in the area of capacity building and training may be considered.

7. The EU simultaneously encourages the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support of the international community, to accelerate their efforts in addressing the issue of disposing of surplus ammunition and other outstanding issues.