Serious concern about preparations by the authorities of the Serbian Republic of Bosnia - Herzegovina in order to hold a referendum on the work of judicial institutions at the state level, the court and the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia - Herzegovina, expressed by the European Union.
The Council of EU Foreign Ministers in its conclusions on this matter "expresses serious concern about the referendum preparations at the entity level for the judiciary at the state level."
"The holding of such a referendum will test the cohesion, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia - Herzegovina. There will also be undermined efforts to improve the socio-economic situation of all citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the further progress of the country in EU integration.
Outstanding deficiencies of the judicial system of Bosnia - Herzegovina will be addressed in a structured dialogue on the judiciary "notes the EU Council of Foreign Ministers.
Despite reactions Bosnian officials and representatives of the international community, the leadership of Republika Srpska proceeds procedures for a referendum on the authority of the State and international organizations.
The referendum initiative was launched last July by the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, who maintains that the court and the prosecutor's office of Bosnia - Herzegovina discriminating war crimes Serbian victims.
Citizens of the Republic of Serbia in the referendum scheduled to take place on November 15 will be asked to answer if they support "the unconstitutional and unauthorized enforcement of laws by the High Representative of the international community in Bosnia - Herzegovina and mainly imposed laws on the court and Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the implementation of their decisions on the territory of Republika Srpska. "
According to the conclusions adopted at today's meeting in Luxembourg the Council welcomes the continued presence of Operation ALTHEA, which retains the ability to contribute to the deterrence capability of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, if the situation so requires, and focuses on capacity building and training.
In this context, as part of an overall EU strategy for Bosnia - Herzegovina, the Council confirms the EU's readiness to continue at this stage an executive military role to support the authorities of Bosnia - Herzegovina to maintain a safe and secure environment under a renewed UN mandate ".
The Council reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia - Herzegovina as a single, unified and sovereign country and welcomes the adoption by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in July 2015 reform agenda which is an important step for the reliable application the commitments undertaken by the leadership of Bosnia - Herzegovina.
"The Council calls on the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain the positive momentum in the implementation of reforms in line with the demands of citizens and in cooperation with civil society. Good progress on the implementation of the reform agenda will be necessary to consider EU membership application pursuant to previous Council conclusions.
Bosnia - Herzegovina after the activation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU should support the commitments and obligations under this Agreement, including those relating to the adjustment.
Bosnia - Herzegovina is the only country that has refused to negotiate with the European Commission to adapt the Stabilisation and Association Agreement following the accession of Croatia to the EU in mid-2013.
The European Commission calls for the retention of traditional trading volume that existed prior to the accession of Croatia to the EU. The entry in the EU automatically cancels the membership of the country in the CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement). However, Sarajevo does not want to accept this request.
The Council of EU Foreign Ministers in its conclusions on this matter "expresses serious concern about the referendum preparations at the entity level for the judiciary at the state level."
"The holding of such a referendum will test the cohesion, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia - Herzegovina. There will also be undermined efforts to improve the socio-economic situation of all citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the further progress of the country in EU integration.
Outstanding deficiencies of the judicial system of Bosnia - Herzegovina will be addressed in a structured dialogue on the judiciary "notes the EU Council of Foreign Ministers.
Despite reactions Bosnian officials and representatives of the international community, the leadership of Republika Srpska proceeds procedures for a referendum on the authority of the State and international organizations.
The referendum initiative was launched last July by the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, who maintains that the court and the prosecutor's office of Bosnia - Herzegovina discriminating war crimes Serbian victims.
Citizens of the Republic of Serbia in the referendum scheduled to take place on November 15 will be asked to answer if they support "the unconstitutional and unauthorized enforcement of laws by the High Representative of the international community in Bosnia - Herzegovina and mainly imposed laws on the court and Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the implementation of their decisions on the territory of Republika Srpska. "
According to the conclusions adopted at today's meeting in Luxembourg the Council welcomes the continued presence of Operation ALTHEA, which retains the ability to contribute to the deterrence capability of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, if the situation so requires, and focuses on capacity building and training.
In this context, as part of an overall EU strategy for Bosnia - Herzegovina, the Council confirms the EU's readiness to continue at this stage an executive military role to support the authorities of Bosnia - Herzegovina to maintain a safe and secure environment under a renewed UN mandate ".
The Council reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia - Herzegovina as a single, unified and sovereign country and welcomes the adoption by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in July 2015 reform agenda which is an important step for the reliable application the commitments undertaken by the leadership of Bosnia - Herzegovina.
"The Council calls on the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain the positive momentum in the implementation of reforms in line with the demands of citizens and in cooperation with civil society. Good progress on the implementation of the reform agenda will be necessary to consider EU membership application pursuant to previous Council conclusions.
Bosnia - Herzegovina after the activation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU should support the commitments and obligations under this Agreement, including those relating to the adjustment.
Bosnia - Herzegovina is the only country that has refused to negotiate with the European Commission to adapt the Stabilisation and Association Agreement following the accession of Croatia to the EU in mid-2013.
The European Commission calls for the retention of traditional trading volume that existed prior to the accession of Croatia to the EU. The entry in the EU automatically cancels the membership of the country in the CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement). However, Sarajevo does not want to accept this request.
