Answer given by Mr Hahn on behalf of the European Commission
5.7.2019
The final judgment in the Karadžić trial closes a case related to some of the most tragic events in Europe's recent history. The Commission fully respects the decisions of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and its successor, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT/Mechanism). The Commission regularly reiterates to the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina the need for full cooperation with the Mechanism.
The Commission expects all Bosnia and Herzegovina political leaders to lead by example and respect the decisions of the international tribunals. The Commission underlines that they should refrain from any statements or actions casting doubt on the independence or the impartiality of the adjudication process, and avoid and condemn any initiative which might risk fuelling tensions.
In the Commission’s Communication for ‘A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the western Balkans’[1], it is clearly stated that there is no place in the EU for inflammatory rhetoric, let alone for glorification of war criminals from any side and that further efforts towards reconciliation are crucial to firmly anchor peace and ensure lasting stability in the region.
All countries must unequivocally commit, in both word and deed, to overcoming the legacy of the past, by achieving reconciliation and solving open issues well before their accession to the EU.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52018DC0065