Meddelanden

Lead MEPs from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Human Rights and Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo have made the following statement.

"Today, we mark the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, one of the darkest chapters in European history. On 11 July 1995, over 8000 innocent men and boys were brutally murdered in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, by the Bosnian-Serb Army. This atrocity, perpetrated during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred, intolerance, and xenophobia.

As we commemorate this solemn occasion, we pay tribute to the survivors and their families, who have endured unimaginable suffering and trauma. We also acknowledge the courage and resilience of those who have worked tirelessly to seek justice and accountability for these heinous crimes, through both the national criminal system of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The ICTY's work is an illustration of the crucial importance of international criminal justice and the need to preserve and further develop it. It is essential to conclude all the open war crimes proceedings without unnecessary delays, and hold those responsible for the genocide accountable for their crimes. Let us underline that the truth about the atrocities needs to be universally recognised, and establishing 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration for the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica was a step towards this aim. We must preserve the memory of the victims while rejecting any denial, revisionism, denial or misinterpretation of the genocide, to learn from the past in order to build a better future.

The Srebrenica genocide is a painful reminder of the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and reconciliation in the region. It highlights the need for continued efforts to strengthen the rule of law, promote human rights, and address the legacy of the past, including through education, remembrance, and reconciliation initiatives. We call on all stakeholders, including governments, civil society and international organisations, to work together to achieve this goal.

On this sombre occasion, we reiterate our commitment to work towards a Europe and a world where such atrocities can never happen again, and where human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are upheld for all. The European Parliament remains steadfast in its commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as that of all Western Balkan countries. Regional cooperation and the European integration process provide the strongest foundation for reconciliation and overcoming divisions."

Brussels, 26 February 2025

Following the ruling of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the case of Milorad Dodik and Miloš Lukić , the Committee on Foreign Affairs' Standing Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina Ondřej Kolář (EPP, Czechia) and the Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo Davor Ivo Stier (EPP, Croatia) issued this statement:

"Today the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina ruled in the case against Milorad Dodik, President of the Republika Srpska entity, and Miloš Lukić, former Acting Director of the Republika Srpska entity's Official Gazette. We take note of the Court's ruling, which can be appealed, and underline the importance of full respect for Bosnia and Herzegovina's institutions and the independence of its judiciary. The unprecedented pressure on the judiciary and intimidation of judges prior to today's ruling is unacceptable.

We subscribe to the numerous clear messages issued in the past days and weeks by the EU Delegation to BiH, the Office of the High Representative, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board. Bosnia and Herzegovina is an independent, sovereign state, the territorial integrity of which is indisputable. We urge all actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to exercise utmost restraint in the wake of today's ruling and to refrain from any political threats and other potentially harmful actions.

The European Parliament has repeatedly called for targeted sanctions against destabilising political actors in BiH, including those threatening and undermining its sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order, notably Milorad Dodik, as well as other high-ranking RS officials and third-country officials providing political and material support for secessionist policies.

Instead of spreading disturbing and divisive narratives, including threats and measures and legislative initiatives that would blatantly violate the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the leadership of the Republika Srpska entity should fully focus on urgent steps needed to decisively move forward on Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU integration path."

Davor Ivo STIER MEP, Chair, Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ondřej Kolář, MEP, Standing Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brussels, 30 November 2024

On behalf of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Kosovo, and as the European Parliament standing rapporteur for Kosovo, we condemn the 29 November 2024 attack on critical infrastructure near Zubin Potok, Kosovo. We express our full solidarity with the citizens of Kosovo and our support for the Kosovo institutions in conducting a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this criminal attack.

Davor Ivo STIER MEP, Chair, Delegation for relations with Kosovo

Riho TERRAS, MEP, Standing rapporteur for Kosovo

Sarajevo, 4 October 2024

We express our profound solidarity with all the people affected by the devastating floods that struck Bosnia and Herzegovina. This natural disaster has caused the loss of many human lives, put a large number of population in danger and destroyed houses and infrastructure.

In these difficult times, we stand with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is essential that the European Union, in close coordination with local authorities and international partners, acts swiftly to provide assistance. The activation of all relevant EU mechanisms, including the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the EU Solidarity Fund, should be made available as a matter of urgency in order to support immediate recovery efforts and to ensure that the affected communities receive all the help they need.

We remain committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in overcoming this natural catastrophe, and we will continue to advocate for sustained solidarity and support in the reconstruction efforts.

Davor Ivo Stier

Chair of the Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo

For further information contact:

Office of MEP Davor Ivo Stier, tel. +32 2 284 5798, e-mail: davorivo.stier@ep.europa.eu