Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, welcomed the first Bosnian Pride Parade, saying that this was an important step towards protection of the fundamental rights for all citizens.

“I welcome the holding of the first Pride parade in Sarajevo today and wish the organisers and participants a peaceful event,” Hahn tweeted minutes before the start of the parade.

“This is an important step in the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens in BiH (Bosnia and Herzegovina, including of LGBTI persons, who have the right to live their lives free from discrimination, abuse and threats, and enjoy full social inclusion,” said the Commissioner.

Sarajevo hosts the first Bosnian Pride March on Sunday.