The EU banned Bosnian Serbs from celebrating their national holiday and overturned the referendum results
The European Union has invalidated the referendum in the Republika Srpska, which is part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the celebration of national day on January 9.
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The expression of will, in which almost 100 percent of voters were in favor of preserving the holiday, previously prohibited by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, took place on September 25. Brussels called on the republic's leaders to avoid escalating tension.
“The referendum that took place yesterday has no legal basis, since the constitutional court of Bosnia and Herzegovina decided to postpone the decision on holding the referendum until the court renders a verdict on constitutionality,” said Maja Kocijancic, an official at the office of the EU representative for foreign policy and security policy of Federica Mogherini.
According to the official, “it is important that all parties refrain from actions that could aggravate the situation.” The country's leadership must focus on continuing reforms, she noted.
Previously, a Bosnian court ruled that the Republika Srpska should postpone the holiday, since it coincided with the date of another referendum - from 1992. Then the inhabitants of the region announced separation from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Previously, the United States and the EU also spoke out against the referendum and even threatened the region with sanctions if it took place.
The EU banned Bosnian Serbs from celebrating their national holiday and overturned the referendum results.