EUROPEAN UNION

OSCE Permanent Council No. 1527

Vienna, 10 July 2025

EU Statement on the 30^th Anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

1. Today we mark the 30^th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, one of the darkest moments in our shared European history. It is our obligation to remember the more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys who were killed at Srebrenica in July 1995. Our hearts and our thoughts are with the victims, the survivors and all those still missing.

2. Europe must not forget what happened in Srebrenica, nor our own responsibility for failing to prevent these unspeakable crimes. It is our duty to ensure such atrocities never happen again.  

3. With war still raging on the European continent and beyond, we are reminded ever more strongly of the need to stand up to defend peace, human dignity and universal values. It is crucial for Bosnia and Herzegovina to overcome the legacies of the past. Peace can never be taken for granted.

4. We call upon the political leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina to look towards a shared future based on dialogue, reconciliation and unity. Genocide denial, glorification of war criminals and attempts to rewrite history are unacceptable and must stop. Leaders from the whole region must reject hate and divisive rhetoric and instead work towards justice, promote dialogue and foster cooperation.

5. The European Union reaffirms its firm commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The future of Bosnia and Herzegovina lies within the European Union as a single, united and sovereign country. By rejecting divisive rhetoric and building bridges of reconciliation, Bosnia and Herzegovina can progress on its path towards European integration, benefiting generations to come.

Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Moldova, San Marino and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.