I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU. 

The EU is deeply concerned about the recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina at both state and entity levels.

The draft of the new Constitution of Republika Srpska and the Law on the Protection of the Constitutional Order of Republika Srpska adopted by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska on 13-14 March 2025, together with the four legal acts adopted on 27 February 2025 by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, risk undermining the constitutional and legal order of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the functionality of the country’s institutions bearing important implications as to the commitments Bosnia and Herzegovina has undertaken on their EU path.

We express particular concern as regards the adoption of the Law on the Special Registry and Transparency of the Work of Non-Profit Organizations, which would directly affect civil society, presenting a serious setback as regards freedom of association and freedom of expression.

Respect for human rights, freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism, as well as freedom of operation of civil society organisations, are key pillars of a democratic society and in line with the values and standards of the Council of Europe. 

Following the decision of the European Council in March 2024 to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU urges all political actors to renew the country’s focus and work jointly on progressing on the EU path. We call for resolute action to take all relevant steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation of 12 October 2022, with a view to the adoption of the country’s negotiating framework. Progress on the EU path is the best guarantee of stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and has multiple benefits for the country’s citizens. 

The EU underlines that the Republika Srpska entity must comply with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the country’s laws and respect the competences and decisions of the country’s institutions, including the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Prosecutor’s office of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the State Investigation and Protection Agency. Respecting the rule of law is a fundamental precondition for the prospect of EU membership.

The EU urges all political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in a sincere, open and constructive dialogue in order to preserve and reinforce the country’s unity and political stability. Avoiding confrontational approaches and displaying an ability to compromise remain of paramount importance. We urge all sides to refrain from and renounce provocative divisive rhetoric and actions, including questioning the constitutional order, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country. The EU is unequivocally committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country. The future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens lies within the EU.

The following countries align with this statement: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Ukraine, and United Kingdom.