Raadsconclusies over Bosnië en Herzegovina (en)

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Council conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina

3179th FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting Luxembourg, 25 June 2012

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

• 1. 

  "The Council reiterates its unequivocal support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) EU perspective as a sovereign and united country enjoying full territorial integrity. To that end, the Council reaffirmed the March 2011, the October 2011 and December 2011 Council Conclusions and the strategy they set out. The Council also supports Peter Sorensen's active, effective and constructive approach as EUSR/Head of Delegation, who has significantly contributed to anchoring the EU agenda at the core of the political process in BiH. The Council also reaffirms its intention to further reinforce the EU role in the country as of July 2012, including by further increasing EU's presence in the field and on law enforcement, rule of law and economic matters, also following the closure of EUPM

• 2. 

  The Council welcomes political progress in BiH since the start of 2012, particularly the formation of the Council of Ministers at state-level, adoption of the State Aid and Population Census Laws, the passing of the 2012 State Budget, and the reaching of a political agreement on state and immovable defence property. However, the Council expresses concern over the lack of implementing political agreements, the continued use of divisive ethnic rhetoric, and a difficult economic situation. It condemns any attempts to minimise or deny the genocide which took place in Srebrenica. Noting the current political events, the Council calls on the political leaders to swiftly ensure that governments on all political levels retain their capacity to act and focus on the implementation of the EU agenda

• 3. 

  The Council reiterates that BiH, as a matter of priority, needs to bring its Constitution into compliance with the European Convention of Human Rights (Sejdic/Finci ruling). A credible effort in this regard remains necessary for the entry into force of the SAA (Stabilisation and Association Agreement)

Completing the implementation of the Sejdic/Finci ailing and having a satisfactory track record in implementing its obligations under the SAA/Interim Agreement would be key elements for a credible membership application to be considered by the EU. The Council also underlines that establishing an effective coordination mechanism for engagement with the EU as well as ensuring fiscal sustainability remain key priorities. In this context the Council looks forward to the European Commission's High-Level Dialogue on the EU accession process with BiH political leaders on 27 June 2012

The Council welcomes the outcome of the meeting of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board held in Sarajevo on 22/23 May, including the decision of the Supervisor of Brcko to suspend his functions and the accompanying closure of the High Representative's office in Brcko. Positive and tangible developments on the ground contributed to this decision. The EU will continue to support and encourage further progress in this regard

In the context of the EU overall strategy for BiH, the Council looks forward to continuing discussion with the international community on the reconfiguration of the international presence, including its downsizing and possible relocation of the OHR, in the appropriate forum. In this regard, it notes the ongoing discussions on overlapping tasks between the OHR and the EU. It calls on BiH to meet the outstanding objectives and conditions which remain necessary for the closure of the OHR."