Statement on alleged blocking of European elections at Slovenian embassy in Sarajevo
According to media reports, ministers from the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Council of Ministers, meeting in Sarajevo on Tuesday, rejected requests from Slovenia and several other EU member states to hold polls for the European elections in their embassies. So far, Slovenia has not received any official notification of a refusal to allow elections to be held at the Slovenian diplomatic and consular representation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Such a refusal would be completely at odds with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European perspective and the established practice of reciprocity in the organisation of polls. It is therefore not expected to happen.
It is unacceptable for a country that has only recently been given the green light to start EU accession negotiations to politicise an issue such as the organisation of European elections by EU member states.
Slovenia will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina on its European path, as it has done so far, provided that Bosnia and Herzegovina respects the fundamental values of the EU.
Slovenia also expects all political decision-makers in Bosnia and Herzegovina to make every effort to keep the country on its European path.