French ambassador reaffirms support for HJPC BiH and judicial reform on EU path

During his meeting with HJPC President Sanin Bogunic, Ambassador Thuillier highlighted the highly successful cooperation with the HJPC BiH in the previous period through the EU4Justice project and expressed confidence that this cooperation would continue in the future.

The ambassador emphasized France's strong commitment to the rule of law and judicial integrity, adding that it was in France's interest to see Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) succeed on its path toward European Union membership. He said the HJPC BiH, as a pillar of strong and secure rule of law and an institution engaged in concrete work, could count on France's readiness to support it on its European path while respecting the institution's sovereignty.

President Bogunic thanked the ambassador for recognizing the HJPC BiH as a reliable third pillar of government in BiH and a professional partner in international cooperation and the implementation of joint activities.

He also welcomed the announced cooperation through the third phase of the EU4Justice project and the continuation of efforts to strengthen the ties already established with judicial institutions in the French Republic.

Specific topics discussed included the Draft Law on the HJPC BiH from the Council's professional and expert perspective, as well as the establishment and work of the Department for the Verification of Assets of Judges and Prosecutors (the Department responsible for proceedings based on asset and interest declarations submitted by judicial officeholders), with a particular focus on the results achieved by the Department to date.