BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO, December 11 (FENA) – At the 8th Subcommittee Meeting on Justice, Freedom, and Security held on December 10 and 11 in Brussels, it was noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina has made some progress in the field of justice but needs to accelerate reforms.

Among the next steps expected by the European Commission are the implementation of amendments to the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC), the adoption of a new HJPC law and a law on courts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the adoption of a Justice Sector Reform Strategy.

Authorities are also expected to effectively implement the Revised State Strategy for Work on War Crimes Cases and incorporate judgments of the ICTY and its legal successors into domestic criminal records, according to the Directorate for European Integration.

The European Commission welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Judicial Cooperation with Eurojust, calling it a significant step in combating corruption, organized crime, and terrorism. The Commission emphasized the importance of ensuring the implementation of this agreement, as well as the swift adoption of a new Personal Data Protection Law.

Discussions also covered the prevention of gender-based violence, protection of victims, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly children, members of the Roma community, and LGBTI individuals. Additionally, the participants addressed revising the Action Plan for implementing the Sejdić-Finci ruling by the European Court of Human Rights and progress in establishing a preventive mechanism against torture and abuse in BiH.

The European Commission highlighted the importance of adopting a strategic framework for cooperation with civil society at all levels of government, encouraging the inclusion of civil society organizations in monitoring European integration processes.

Regarding freedom of expression, media freedom, and journalist protection, the European Commission noted setbacks. Authorities are expected to decriminalize defamation in line with the Commission’s recommendations and draft and adopt new legislation on the public broadcasting system, electronic communications, electronic media, and media ownership.

The Commission welcomed the adoption of the new State Strategy on Prevention and Fight Against Corruption and stressed the need for other government levels in BiH to align their strategic frameworks with the core principles of this strategy. Additionally, it acknowledged the adoption of the new Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest at the state level, urging further alignment with European standards and harmonization of legislation in the entities and the Brčko District with international standards and best European practices.

Discussions also focused on implementing the new Freedom of Information Law at the state level, adopting a new legal framework on access to information in the Brčko District, and addressing legislation related to freedom of assembly at the entity, cantonal, and Brčko District levels.

The European Commission noted progress in the fight against organized crime, including the adoption of a new Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism and cooperation with Europol. However, it urged BiH authorities to swiftly adopt amendments to the Criminal Code to introduce sanctions related to terrorism and to strengthen proactive information-sharing through Europol collaboration.

Migration management was acknowledged as improving, though significant enhancements are still needed. The European Commission called for the adoption of the Law on Border Control and for BiH authorities to take over the management of temporary reception centers.

Finally, the Commission emphasized the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue aligning its visa policy with the EU acquis, stated the Directorate for European Integration.