European Commission reacts to cancellation of Conference of European Rabbis event in Sarajevo

Lammert emphasized that freedom of religion and freedom of association are guaranteed by the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that adherence to the principles established by the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is essential for any country wishing to join the European Union.

“Therefore, it is regrettable that the competent authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have withdrawn the invitation for the meeting of the Conference of European Rabbis in Sarajevo. The EU remains committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession perspective and will continue to closely monitor the situation regarding the respect for fundamental rights and freedoms,” Lammert said.

The announced gathering of the Conference of European Rabbis, which was planned to take place in Sarajevo in mid-June, was cancelled following an uproar among local politicians and citizens.

This prompted Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt to call on the European Union to revoke Bosnia and Herzegovina’s membership efforts.