The European Union and the Council of Europe launched a new joint project on 25 June 2026 to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina and advance human rights and the rule of law. The three-year initiative, titled 'Supporting Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina through Constitutional Justice', was officially launched at the Court's premises in Sarajevo with a total budget of EUR 2.223 million, jointly funded by the EU and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.
Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU 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,' Soreca said. Bojana Urumova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo, highlighted the Council's continued commitment to supporting institutions responsible for upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mirsad Ćeman, President of the Constitutional Court, welcomed the project, noting it comes 'in this, perhaps the most difficult period for the Constitutional Court since its establishment.'
The project will focus on three priorities over the next three years: 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. The initiative aims to improve the implementation of European human rights standards, enhance human rights protection in BiH, and reinforce public trust in constitutional justice institutions. It will also support Bosnia and Herzegovina's efforts to align with European standards and advance reforms linked to the country's EU accession process.
The launch event brought together representatives of the Constitutional Court, the EU, the Council of Europe, domestic legislative, executive and judicial authorities, professional associations, and other partners engaged in advancing human rights and the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The project directly benefits the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina by strengthening its institutional and technical capacities, enabling it to better handle its caseload and resist political pressures. Legal professionals and lawyers will gain enhanced capacity to apply European human rights standards, improving the quality of legal practice. Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina stand to benefit from more effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as increased public trust in constitutional justice. The EU and Council of Europe, as funders and implementers, advance their strategic goal of promoting rule of law and human rights in the Western Balkans, supporting BiH's EU accession process. No significant negative impacts are identified, though the project's success depends on sustained political will and co-operation from domestic authorities.