EU urges Republika Srpska to withdraw criminal code amendment

The EU regrets that the RS National Assembly today voted to introduce amendments to the Republika Srpska criminal code reintroducing criminal penalties for defamation. These legislative changes would impose unnecessary and disproportionate restrictions on the independent media and civil society.

In December 2022, the European Council granted candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candidate status comes with high expectations. In its recommendation for granting candidate status, the Commission has defined steps that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to address. Spokesperson Peter Stano stated yesterday about the vote in Republika Srpska that one of these goals was to strengthen freedom of expression and freedom of the media.

Today s decision is a clear step in the wrong direction and has a chilling effect on media freedom in Republika Srpska. It also puts into question the strategic commitments of the ruling parties in Republika Srpska to Bosnia and Herzegovina s accession to the European Union.

If the law is adopted, it will negatively affect the environment for civil society priority 11 and freedom of expression and media priority 12 in Republika Srpska. It will be a regrettable and uneniable step backwards in the protection of fundamental rights.

The EU urges the Republika Srpska entity to withdraw the amendments and to ensure full protection of the freedom of expression and of the media.

Fulfilling the key priorities set out in the Commission Opinion is a precondition for Bosnia and Herzegovina to open EU accession negotiations.

The EU expects all authorities to work together to address the 14 key priorities, for the benefit of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.