SARAJEVO, 25 JUNE 2026 – A new joint European Union and Council of Europe project, “Supporting Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina through Constitutional Justice”, was officially launched on 25 June 2026 at the premises of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.

The three-year initiative will support the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in fulfilling its role as a guarantor of constitutional rights and the rule of law by strengthening its institutional and technical capacities. The project will also contribute to improving the implementation of European human rights standards, enhancing human rights protection in BiH while reinforcing public trust in constitutional justice institutions. The project responds to the evolving challenges facing the Court and seeks to foster stronger co-operation among institutions involved in the protection of human rights and the implementation of constitutional justice.

The launch event brought together representatives of the Constitutional Court, the European Union, the Council of Europe, domestic legislative, executive and judicial authorities along with the professional associations, and other partners engaged in advancing human rights and the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Mirsad Ćeman, President of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, welcomed the launch of the project and emphasised the significance of strengthening the Court's capacities to meet current and future challenges.

"It means a lot to us that the European Union and the Council of Europe have confirmed their full support for the Constitutional Court in this way, precisely in this, perhaps the most difficult period for the Constitutional Court since its establishment. Our mission remains unchanged: preserving the functionality of the Court, improving the rule of law and protecting human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of the political pressures and challenges we face."

Addressing participants, Luigi Soreca, Head of the European Union Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, underlined the importance of an independent and effective constitutional justice system for safeguarding fundamental rights and supporting the country's European path. “The European Union's support to the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina is unequivocal. As a cornerstone of the country's constitutional order, the Court plays a vital role in protecting citizens' rights, upholding the rule of law and ensuring legal certainty. Its decisions are final and binding, and their effective implementation is essential for both democratic governance and Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress on its European path. This initiative reflects the EU's long-term commitment to supporting strong, independent, and effective institutions that serve all citizens and contribute to a stable and democratic society”.

Bojana Urumova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo, highlighted the Council of Europe's continued commitment to supporting institutions responsible for upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"At a time when democratic institutions are facing increasing pressure across Europe, our support for an independent and effective Constitutional Court is an investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s democratic resilience and the protection of human rights."

Over the next three years, the project will focus on three priorities: strengthening institutional dialogue and co-operation among relevant stakeholders; enhancing the capacity of lawyers and legal professionals to apply European human rights standards; and reinforcing the institutional capacities of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Through these activities, the project will contribute to more effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, improved application of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and strengthened respect for the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project will also support Bosnia and Herzegovina's efforts to align with European standards and advance reforms linked to the country's EU accession process.

With a total budget of EUR 2.223 million, the project is jointly funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe