Ruling in the case of Milorad Dodik: leading MEPs call for restraint

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an independent, sovereign state, the territorial integrity of which is indisputable", leading MEPs stress in a joint statement.

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.”