On Friday 31 October in Sarajevo, the European Union and its partners in the Western Balkans concluded their ministerial meeting on Home Affairs and Justice with joint commitments on justice, including judicial system independence and defence of the rule of law.
The day before, they had reaffirmed “their shared commitment to fighting online crime and terrorism” (see EUROPE 13742/8) as well as “irregular migration, by reinforcing border protection and fighting migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, including through strengthened cooperation between Frontex and Western Balkan partners”, according to a press release.
On the subject of justice, on Friday the two parties discussed “recent developments concerning judicial independence and ways to strengthen resilience through the protection from undue political interference and public pressure, and through judicial reforms. The European Union encouraged Western Balkan partners to address, monitor and sanction instances of pressure against magistrates and ensure the protection of persons and institutions concerned”, the press release states.
The EU also called on them to make full use of cooperation with relevant EU agencies and bodies, including Eurojust. They also spoke of defending democracy and the integrity of elections.
“Our meeting is also timely, just ahead of next month’s adoption of the annual enlargement reports. The topics we discussed today are crucial to EU accession”, commented the European Commissioner for Justice, Michael McGrath.
“I stressed the importance of an independent judiciary. (...) I am concerned to see that judicial systems across the region are under increasing pressure, whether that be pressure from the executive, the legislature or the public. There also needs to be more protection against interference from organised crime groups”, added the Commissioner.
“Our response must include sanctioning those who attempt to interfere. We also consider the fight against corruption as essential for upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic safeguards”.
“We also discussed the importance of ensuring timely and efficient cooperation, including in the context of Eurojust and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office”, which is essential in the fight against organised crime groups operating in the Western Balkans. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)