Parliamentary question

Written question to the European Council

The European public and the people of the Western Balkans have been perturbed by the recent publication of a so-called ‘non-paper’ which apparently included the idea of a peaceful break-up of Bosnia-Herzegovina and other border changes, recalling the crazed nationalist ideologies of the 1990s. According to media reports, the document in question, drafted with the participation of certain Member States, was forwarded by the Slovenian Government to the EU Council. Given that any redrawing of borders could lead to further bloodshed in the region and would mean the total collapse of an approach to the region’s problems which is based on convergence with the EU, we would like to ask:

1. Did the EU Council receive such a document? It may be a diplomatic tool but we urge you nonetheless, given the consequences of the existence of the document, which poses a threat to peace and stability in the region as well as to the security of the EU itself, to unequivocally reject or confirm it and thus put a stop to the dangerous processes that have already begun in the region.

2. What is the EU Council’s position as regards the contents of the published documents, in particular the ideas about changing borders in the region, including the idea of creating a so-called third entity in Bosnia-Herzegovina?

3. How will the EU Council promote a European path for the region, and in particular for Bosnia-Herzegovina, so that it is based on the principles of citizens’ democratic rights and the rule of law?

Answer given by the European Council

It is not for the Council to comment on articles appearing in the media, or on any specific positions or initiatives taken by Member States.

On a general note, the Council reiterates its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country. This is a position expressed in the Council conclusions of 10 December 2019 and which has subsequently and repeatedly been reaffirmed.

With regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path, and in line with the Council conclusions of 12 October 2020, the Council has urged Bosnia and Herzegovina to make sustained efforts, in particular in relation to the implementation of the 14 key priorities set out in the Commission’s Opinion. These key priorities, focusing on the areas of democracy and functionality of the state, rule of law, fundamental rights and public administration reform, need to be fulfilled.