Activities of Klemen GROŠELJ related to 2022/2200(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
2022 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (debate)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the 2022 Commission Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina
Amendments (49)
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas in March 2023 President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik announced plans to introduce a ‘foreign agents’ law in Republika Srpska;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. whereas the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet reports persistent discrimination based on various grounds in BiH, primarily based on ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, and voices concerns about access to education, social protection, and the rights of Roma and people with disabilities;
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the European Council's decision to grant candidate status to BiH; reiterates its clear support for BiH’s EU integration, grounded in unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity; calls on all political actors in BiH to end and refrain from the blockades of democratic processes and work of institutions; condemns the secessionist policies and actions by the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik and all political parties and movements promoting the dissolution of BiH;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the swift appointment of a new state-level government, the resumption of political decision-making and the appointment of the President and two Vice-Presidents of the Federation of BiH; calls for the Federation of BiH’s government formation to be swiftly completed in line with democratic standards and principles; calls on the Office of the High Representative to show due political insight and avoid actions which may lead to additional political and ethnic tensions in the country;
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages all authorthe government of BiH and especially the ruling coalitieson to seize the momentum to meaningfully advancerepresent the aspirations of all citizens of BiH and to focus on the preparation and meaningful implementation onf the 14 key priorities and avoid slipping back into obstructive policies, respecting the accountability of institutions and the quality and transparency of the processes; urges all political actors to avoid slipping back into obstructive policies of ethnocentrism and calls on all members of the ruling coalition to refrain from the nationalistic rhetoric shown by the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Borjana Krišto in the exchange of views held in the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament on 21 March 2023; underscores that BiH’s path towards EU accession needs to be anchored in functioning democratic institutions, rule of law, the fight against corruption and organised crime, respect for fundamental rights and non-discrimination for all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitution;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to continue supporting BiH’s EU integration based on strict conditionality, to promote and call for the accountability, transparency and inclusiveness of reform processes in state institutions, to publish detailed explanations of and measurement criteria for the 14 key priorities in order to raise citizens’ awareness of the benefits of EU membership and to strengthen monitoring capacities in BiH;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Expresses deep concern about media reports based on leaked Commission documents that the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement deliberately seeks to circumvent and undermine the centrality of democratic and rule of law reforms in talks with high ranking representatives of Republika Srpska; urges once again the Commission to initiate an independent and impartial investigation into whether the conduct engaged in and policies furthered by the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct for the Members of the Commission and of the Commissioner’s obligations under the Treaties;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. ReaffirmExpresses its support for the mandates of the Office of the High Representative and EUFOR Operation Althea in overseeing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, especially in enhancing stability and democratic processes in BiH; reaffirms its full support for EUFOR Operation Althea in overseeing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement; calls on Member States to reinforce EUFOR and make it more fit for operational needs; calls on the OHR to act in line with its mandate and to refrain from using "Bonn Powers", which may strengthen illiberal political forces and ignite additional political and ethnic divisions in the country and in the wider region;
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes BiH’s increasedCalls on the new government of BiH’s to swiftly and fully alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP), and urges for the effective implementation of sanctions stemming from CFSP alignment;
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Strongly supports BiH’s sustained aspirations towards Euro-Atlantic integration and NATO membership; calls on all political actors to demonstrate full support for Euro-Atlantic integration and NATO membership not only in words but with concrete political action;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Denounces the recurring inflammatory rhetoric and secessionist laws and policies by the leadership of the Republika Srpska (RS) entity, including and other political parties including members of the ruling coalition in the Federation of BiH entity, such as the celebration of the so- called RS Day and other celebrations which cause tensions and discomfort among BiH citizens, as well as the refusal to implement rulings of the Constitutional Court of BiH; underlines that such actions destabilise BiH, undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement, contradict BiH’s EU perspective and endanger access to EU funding;
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates its call for targeted and sustainable sanctions against all destabilising actors in BiH;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates its call for targeted sanctions against destabilising political actors in BiH;
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Condemns malign foreign interference by third actors in BiH, notably Russia’s destabilisation of the Western Balkans; condemns interferences in BiH and the use of inflammatory ethnic-based rhetoric by high-ranking officials of Croatia and Serbia;
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that the rule of law, good governance, pluralism and fundamental rights need to be mainstreamed in IPA III funding, which must be based on strict conditionality and safeguarded by comprehensive and thorough oversight by the Commission; recalls that EU funding for projects in the RS entity should remain frozen until the reversal of democratic backsliding by the RS entity and until full alignment with the CFSP;
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that the rule of law, support for free and independent media, fight against corruption, good governance, pluralism and fundamental rights need to be mainstreamed in IPA III funding, which must be based on strict conditionality; recalls that EU funding for projects in the RS entity should remain frozen until the reversal of democratic backsliding by the RS entity and until full alignment with the CFSP;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls on the European Commission to make all necessary legal and political arrangements to extend the EPPO's jurisdiction and authority with regard to the use of EU funds also to BiH as a candidate country;
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the fact that the general elections were held in October 2022 were generally well organised and competitive; notes however that they took place against a backdrop of stagnant reforms, divisive rhetoric and political obstruction, political and financial obstruction, non-transparent financing of the election campaign, misuse of public resources, trading of polling stations between political parties and undue political pressure on the Central Election Commission; regrets the numerous irregularities reported by election observers, including instances in which some local municipalities failed to publish and/or display voter registry lists; takes note of the changes introduced by the High Representative to the election law and constitution of the Federation of BiH, aimed at addressing a number of functionality issues; underlines however the criticism regarding the transparency, timing and lack of consultations in these processes;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Expresses concern about the amount of public expenditure aimed at attempting to influence the electorate; regrets that governmental structures have introduced new methods of electoral influence over interest groups; calls for the introduction of strict policies to prevent officials from abusing public funds, especially during the pre-election period;
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on BiH to harmonise party registration rules and to ensure the transparency of political party financing; acknowledges the steps taken by the Central Election Commission and calls for its capacities to be strengthened; deplores all forms of intimidation and threats made by political actors in BiH against members of the Central Election Commission;
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the judiciary’s integrity and independence to be strengthened, namely by bringing the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and the Law on Courts in line with EU standards, and by eliminating selective justice, the case backlog, corruption, a lack of transparency and poor oversight; regrets that the strategic goal to solve all cases related to war crimes will not be met due to the high backlog; reiterates the necessity to prosecute and accelerate criminal proceedings, as 28 years have passed and reconciliation cannot be achieved without adequate judgements; expresses its concern over numerous scandals involving high ranking judiciary officials, political pressure and quality of the processes of selection of high ranking judges and prosecutors;
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Expresses its concern about the lack of progress on preventing widespread corruption and the increasing signs of state capture, political interference and obstruction; urges BiH to adopt conflict of interest laws and to strengthen protection for whistleblowersan Anti-Corruption Strategy in line with international standards and best practices, and to strengthen protection for whistleblowers in particular in the Federation of BiH entity, by ensuring the implementation of existing laws and ensuring the independence of institutions responsible for implementation;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Expresses its concern about the lack of progress on preventing widespread corruption and the increasing signs of state capture, political interference and obstruction; calls for transparent use of EU financial assistance; urges BiH to adopt conflict of interest laws and to strengthen protection for whistleblowers;
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls on the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement to strictly adhere to the Commission's own criteria throughout the entire monitoring process of the implementation of institutional reforms in BiH in order to meet the objectives of the 14 priorities put forward by the Commission in 2019 concerning democracy, functionality and the rule of law.
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Urges the authorities to prosecute high-profile corruption cases and to conduct criminal proceedings in a timely manner; calls on the courts to issue a higher number of final judgements in corruption cases;
Amendment 217 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for increased resources for anti-corruption structures and the adoption of integrity plans for these structures; points to the added value of effective cooperation among law enforcement agencies and with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office;
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes the steps taken to increase the alignment of public procurement laws with the EU acquis; expresses its concern about the sector’s vulnerabilities to corruption and irregularities; calls for more robust and efficient legislation regarding the exploitation of natural resources, including measures to increase transparency and integrity especially in the area of concessions;
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reaffirms the significance of genuine reconciliation in BiH and calls on all authorities to actively promote and ensure access to truth, justice and non- selective reparations;
Amendment 232 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Expresses its solidarity with all survivors of war crimes and their families; deplores all historical revisionism, including genocide denial, the glorification of war crimes and war criminals, and the contestation of established facts and tribunals; calls for effective prosecution of such cases; regrets that prosecutors have failed to initiate any criminal proceedings on these matters; condemns the prohibition of public gatherings for families commemorating the victims of Prijedor in the Republika Srpska entity;
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes the ongoing reduction in the backlog of war crimes cases, but regrets that the pace remains slow; is concerned about the fact that some war criminals convicted in BiH courts escape justice by hiding in some EU member and candidate states due to dual citizenship;
Amendment 240 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for further efforts on the issue of missing persons; calls for the harmonization of legislation aiming to guarantee a wide range of rights for civilian victims of war;
Amendment 254 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Emphasises the vital role of independent media; condemns attacks on and threats and intimidation against journalists, including by politicians and public figures; insists on appropriate judicial follow-up and the protection of journalists, public figures and private companies; expresses its concern regarding the announced criminalization of defamation in Republika Srpska; insists on appropriate judicial follow-up and the protection of journalists; underlines the importance of ensuring the transparency of media ownership and financial sustainability of the public broadcasting system;
Amendment 270 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Deplores discrimination, segregation, violence and hate speech against minorities and people on the move, and urges effective prosecution of such cases; calls on BiH to safeguard and promote the countrywide rights of all minorities and people on the move and to collect data on hate crimes categorized by motivation;
Amendment 273 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Deplores discrimination, segregation, violence and hate speech against minorities, and urges effective prosecution of such cases; calls on BiH to safeguard and promote the countrywide rights of all minorities, including their right to participate in democratic elections;
Amendment 280 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Expresses its deep concern at the discrimination faced by children from ethnic minorities, in particular Roma children, in accessing public services, including education and healthcare, and calls for the full protection of children's rights in BiH;
Amendment 281 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Calls for a higher degree of protection of the rights of the Roma minority and for an end to segregation and discriminatory practices;
Amendment 286 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Calls on BiH to ensure gender equality in all aspects of public and private life; regrets that BiH does not collect data on femicide and calls for the establishment of crisis centres for victims of sexual violence;
Amendment 288 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Notes that domestic violence, especially violence against women, remains among most serious human rights violations in BiH and calls for urgent actions in addressing gender-based violence, including for coordination among responsible institutions;
Amendment 300 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Regrets that rulings of the European Court of Human Rights have still not been implemented and calls for their swift implementation; regrets that discriminatory provisions from the BiH Constitution prevent all its citizens from enjoying equal political rights;
Amendment 309 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Underscores the importance of inclusive and quality education; reiterates i and urges BiH institutions to implement domestic courts’ judgements calling for an urgent end to the discriminatory practice of ‘two schools under one roof’; calls on BiH institutions to reduce administrative barriers for students who wish to continue their education in another canton or entity;
Amendment 321 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Urges politicians, public figures, authorities and private companies to refrain from using SLAPPs as a form of intimidation against human rights defenders and journalists;
Amendment 323 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Deplores plans to introduce a ‘foreign agents’ law in the Republika Srpska;
Amendment 326 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30 b. Emphasises the need to withdraw the proposed amendments to the criminal code of Republika Srpska criminalising slander; calls on government representatives to cease labelling civil society as foreign agents and mercenaries;
Amendment 329 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30 c. Regrets that laws on freedom of assembly are fragmented and restrictive; urges the authorities to amend laws according to European standards and refrain from interfering with the right to freedom of assembly;
Amendment 331 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 d (new)
Paragraph 30 d (new)
30 d. Reiterates its call on politicians and public figures to refrain from using hate speech in public statements and inciting violence towards journalists, LGBT persons and civil society; regrets the political obstruction of freedom of assembly for LGBT activists across the country and condemns violence and hate crimes against LGBT people in Banja Luka; regrets that the Pride March is continuously being discriminated against, and that this event is continuing to face administrative obstacles due to its nature;
Amendment 366 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Urges BiH to finalise and adopt the national energy and climate plan and to avoid energy infrastructure projects increasing the country's dependence on Russia and China; calls on it to adopt the necessary legislation on gas, electricity, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and to ensure the full harmonisation of laws for a functional energy market;
Amendment 371 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Calls for improvements to the legislation on concessions and use of natural resources to remove existing corruption risks, especially with regard to several major non-transparent projects with Chinese and Hungarian companies;
Amendment 379 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Calls on BiH to accelerate its implementation of projects under the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans and the Green Agenda; emphasises the importance of transparent and efficient use of investments;