Head of the Unit for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Commission Directorate General for Enlargement, Ms. Michela Matuella, visited Sarajevo in late September. On September 24 she met with the President of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (“HJPC”), Mr Milan Tegeltija.
Ms. Matuella stressed that the HJPC is a key institution for the coherence of the judiciary throughout BiH and is responsible for guaranteeing its independence, accountability and efficiency. “The HJPC is responsible for ensuring the highest standards in BiH judiciary and the EU has made it clear, including through the EU-BiH Structured dialogue on justice and additional rule of law matters, that the integrity of the HJPC is of the utmost importance for preserving the stability of institutions guaranteeing the Rule of Law,” the Head of Unit said.
She underlined that ensuring accountability is one of the first challenges that should be dealt with through reinforcing efficiency of disciplinary proceedings and implementation of the conflict of interest rules recently adopted by the HJPC.
The Head of Unit commended the HJPC for its excellent co-operation so far, adding that she is looking forward to working with the new President, Milan Tegeltija, and the HJPC Secretariat.
