Ambassador Fitschen: Proposed Restrictions on Civil Societies by RS Entity Undermine Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European Aspirations

Sarajevo, (Fena) – Thomas Fitschen, the German ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), has urged the authorities of the Republika Srpska entity to reconsider their plans to adopt the controversial foreign agents law.

Ambassador Fitschen asserted that the proposed legislation, which aims to regulate the registration of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Republika Srpska, poses a significant obstacle to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aspirations for European Union membership, as previously noted by the European Union Delegation.

He emphasized that the anticipated restrictions on civil society in Republika Srpska would contradict fundamental rights and democratic principles upheld by the European Union.

“An open and free civil society is vital for the democratic development and European prospects of this nation. Therefore, I urge the Government and the National Assembly of Republika Srpska to abandon this initiative,” Fitschen stated, according to a release from the German Embassy in BiH.

This law had previously been withdrawn from parliamentary consideration in May of last year following substantial domestic and international pressure. However, it has now been announced that the law will be reintroduced for parliamentary debate next week.

According to the proposals, within six months of the law’s passage, a registry of non-profit organizations in Republika Srpska that receive financial support from foreign sources is expected to be established.

Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska, indicated at the end of January that the law would be passed, asserting that any organization receiving funds from foreign governments to destabilize the entity would be classified as a foreign agent.

The legislation includes provisions for monitoring NGOs funded from abroad, restricting broadly defined political activities, imposing additional registration requirements, and mandating that organizations report their foreign financial receipts to the Ministry. Furthermore, the relevant ministry would have the authority to recommend a court ban on any organization that violates the law. (13.02.)