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U.S.-EU Long-term Democratization Strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina Fact Sheet released by the Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs, U.S. Department of State, December 5, 1997

The United States and the European Union have agreed on a long-term strategy to address human rights and democratization issues in Bosnia. The document, finalized at the U.S.- EU Summit, lays out priorities, outlines a long-term approach, and establishes a process by which progress on these issues can be assessed over time.

The agreement emphasizes that human rights and democratization are essential to civilian implementation of the Dayton Agreement. It notes that securing cooperation and support for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, constructing an independent media, supporting Bosnian capacity to hold elections, reforming property laws, and building respect for the rule of law can promote democratic normalization and stabilization in the region.

The ongoing effort is designed to focus U.S. and European approaches to the parties in the region on human rights issues and to effectively deploy political and resource support when and where it is most needed. It prioritizes human rights issues to better support international organizations active in Bosnia, such as the Office of the High Representative, the OSCE, and the Council of Europe.

Recognizing that establishing durable and responsive democratic institutions is a process that can take years, the U.S. and European Union have agreed that the approach should be long-term, and that U.S.-EU collaboration in this field should be proactive and dynamic. Through regular discussions as part of semi-annual U.S.-EU human rights consultations and on the margins of regular meetings of the Bosnian Peace Implementation Council, the U.S. and EU will assess progress on implementing joint priorities and will adjust strategies as necessary.

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