Wigemark told HJPC: You must ensure professionalism, independence, and efficiency of the judiciary

During the second day of the session of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HJPC BiH), held on September 6 and 7, 2017, in Sarajevo, the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Special Representative of the EU in BiH, H.E. Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, addressed the members of the HJPC BiH. 

In his address, Ambassador Wigemark stated that the speed and dynamics of the European integration process depend on the rule of law, i.e., the system's ability to provide justice to people in an equal and adequate manner, and that judicial reform should be placed at the center of reform processes. 

- The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council is responsible for ensuring the professionalism, independence, credibility, and efficiency of the judiciary. Without a strong and unified HJPC, Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be able to respond to the challenges on the path of integration towards the European Union in the area of the rule of law - Ambassador Wigemark concluded. 

Ambassador Wigemark also emphasized that the European Union remains available for any kind of support to the HJPC BiH and the entire judiciary. 

President Tegeltija emphasized the importance of the European Union's support to the judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the reform process so far. He stated that there is constant cooperation between the HJPC and the European Commission through the Peer Review assessment mission, TAIEX programs, and the Structured Dialogue on Justice. 

- The High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a reliable and very dedicated partner to the European Union, fully committed to bringing the judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina up to European standards - said Tegeltija. He also added that the institution has diligently approached the Peer Review process and will do everything within its jurisdiction to successfully implement the recommendations of this process.