URGENT action to release EU citizens currently detained unlawfully in Zambia

Dear Petitioner,

Your message to the High Representative / Vice-President Josep Borrell regarding the situation of Croatian nationals detained in Zambia has received our full attention. I have been asked to reply on his behalf.

The Delegation of the European Union to Zambia and the European External Action

Service have, since the onset of the events, been kept informed of the situation of the citizens by the diplomatic and consular authorities of Croatia, as EU Member States are responsible for providing consular assistance to their citizens. The EU Delegation has been engaged since the beginning and assisted the Croatian authorities to the extent possible.

As to the legal framework, the European Union law does not govern intercountry

adoptions. They are governed by the 1993 Hague Convention on intercountry adoption on a bilateral basis between the countries party to the convention, or by bilateral agreements complementing the Convention or replacing it. Furthermore, you will understand that the European Union fully respects the independence of the Zambian judiciary. Therefore, no comments can be provided on ongoing Court proceedings.

The European External Action Service and the Delegation of the European Union to

Zambia will continue to follow the case and, within the scope of their mandate, support the Croatian authorities and the Member States present in Zambia, as appropriate, in providing consular assistance to these Croatian citizens.

Yours sincerely,

(e-signed)