Council of Europe pledges to back pro-EU forces in Bosnia

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, met with Miroslav Papa, Director for Political Affairs and External Relations of the Council of Europe.

During the meeting, Minister Konaković emphasized the importance of the Council of Europe's technical and programmatic support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which serves to strengthen democracy, protect human rights, and align the country with European values, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH, CE Report quotes FENA.

He particularly highlighted the current moment in which progressive forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, encouraged by positive developments on the country's European path, seek to seize the momentum—yet they are faced with defensive threats, threats to the constitutional order, and malign influences that complicate and obstruct that path.

Konaković viewed positively the existence of opposition in the Republika Srpska and its participation in the session of the Peace Implementation Council’s Steering Board, which will address the current political situation, the unblocking of BiH's European path, and the consequences caused by the leadership of Republika Srpska—such as threats to the constitutional order of BiH, disrespect for judicial authorities, and disregard for law enforcement institutions and agencies.

Papa emphasized that the Council of Europe is closely monitoring the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including threats to the constitutional order and developments surrounding the Constitutional Court of BiH. He reaffirmed the Council's strong commitment to cooperation and to a shared European vision based on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as its support for pro-European forces in BiH in their efforts to strengthen state institutions, promote progress in human rights, and build positive societal resilience.