News in English     | 20.11.2019. 13:28 |

Sattler: Rule of law one of fundamental preconditions for EU membership

FENA Muamer Selimbegovic

SARAJEVO, November 20 (FENA) - The functioning of the rule of law is a key element in Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU path, which entails the realization of equal rights for all citizens, the existence of an independent, impartial and accountable judiciary, full implementation of the law, and continued efforts to improve legislative framework in line with European standards, it was highlighted today in Sarajevo in the introductory part of the public debate "Right to Justice!", organized in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Office of the EU Special Representative, where participants discuss fundamental aspects of the situation with the rule of law in BiH.

The public debate at the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, attended by representatives of the political life, the judicial community and the non-governmental sector in BiH, as well as representatives of international organizations and the diplomatic corps, was held on the eve of finalization of the Report on BiH Judiciary, drafted by a team of senior experts of the European Union, led by independent legal expert Reinhard Priebe.

The participants of the event were welcomed by the Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative Johann Sattler, pointing out that the rule of law is one of the basic preconditions for EU membership, and in this context, it is necessary to identify problems and stop the negative trends in BiH.

He said that the EU is ready to continue supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina, but that implementing certain reforms and processes is an obligation and the responsibility of local authorities, all with the aim of achieving equal rights and well-being for all citizens.

He recalled indicators that testify to the majority commitment of BiH citizens to the country’s European path, but also to the enormous decline in confidence in the judiciary and the perception of citizens in which judicial institutions are ranked among the most corrupt.

Sattler called on all relevant stakeholders in BiH to stop shifting responsibility, noting that political will must translate into concrete steps and positive change and that BiH citizens deserve much more than they have right now.

At the same time, he assessed that it is necessary to involve the citizens of BiH in all the processes since the institutions are their own and that they should be their service, that is, they should be protected by the effective functioning of the rule of law.

Senior EU independent legal expert, Reinhard Priebe also addressed the event and stressed that he was frustrated by the lack of progress in the BiH judiciary, as he said he encountered things similar to those of the early 2000s.

He said that the “Right to Justice” event was a good opportunity to come up with some input and opinions that could contribute to finalizing the Status Report on BiH Judiciary, urging participants to take a more proactive approach.

Priebe stated that he has had the impression that there are serious problems with regard to the rule of law in BiH, pointing to the need for decisive engagement of all the involved in these processes.

He noted that there is still lack of political will on this path, despite some efforts to change things.

“The rule of law is not primarily about meeting the requirements of the accession process, it is a secure framework for citizens and their well-being to create a prosperous future for families within their own country. Many young people are leaving this country not only for economic reasons but also for lack of legal certainty,” Priebe warned.

He added that experts can assess the situation and indicate ways to move forward, but that it is up to those responsible in BiH to make changes, to find appropriate solutions, emphasizing that it is necessary to ensure the firm determination of politicians, judges, prosecutors, non-governmental organizations and the general public.

Michela Matuella, Head of the Unit for Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina (Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, EC) stressed the importance of urgent action by emphasizing the necessity to build a strong judiciary and effectively combat organized crime and corruption.

She specified that there was no more time to spare and that it was necessary to create conditions in BiH in which each of its citizens would have equal access to justice.

At the opening of the gathering, a video message from European Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn was aired, who said from Brussels that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs a legal system that will ensure the rule of law as there could be no progress without it.

He said that his term in office is nearing the end, but that efforts by the European Union to support the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina would continue.

(FENA) S. R.

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