Within the FUTURE Project, a training was held for judges, prosecutors and inspectors on the topic “Application of the Principles of EU Environmental Law in the Work of Judges, Prosecutors and Inspectors and Tools for Practical Implementation.” The aim of the training was to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of representatives of the judiciary and competent inspection authorities in the field of environmental protection, environmental law and the application of the European Union acquis.
The training brought together representatives of judicial institutions interested in improving their competencies in the areas of environmental law, environmental protection and European integration.
The program opened with an introductory session dedicated to the principles of environmental protection in the European Union and the EU acquis in this field. Participants had the opportunity to gain a basic and practical understanding of the key principles of European environmental policy, their development and their importance for the Western Balkan countries in the process of accession to the European Union.
The trainer was Igor Dizdarević, an expert in European Union law from the European Institute of Public Administration, who, through expert presentations, discussions and practical examples, introduced participants to complex issues in the field of environmental law.
During the training, topics related to the role of judges and prosecutors in the application and interpretation of European Union law were addressed, including the preliminary ruling mechanism before the Court of Justice of the European Union and its importance for ensuring the uniform application of EU law and environmental protection.
Special attention was given to the role of the judiciary and inspection authorities in ensuring the effective implementation of regulations and the prosecution of environmental offences. Participants also discussed biodiversity protection, with a particular focus on the issue of illegal trade in protected plant and animal species, as well as the importance of preserving natural resources.
In the continuation of the program, the new European Union Directive on the protection of the environment through criminal law was presented. The Directive aims to strengthen the fight against environmental crime and reinforce accountability for offences that have serious consequences for the environment and human health.
The final part of the training was dedicated to international conventions in the field of environmental protection, with a special focus on the Aarhus Convention, its application in judicial practice, and the importance of access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters.
Strengthening the capacities of judges, prosecutors and inspectors, as well as improving the understanding of European standards in the field of environmental protection, represents an important contribution to more effective advocacy, protection of the public interest and improvement of environmental policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sarajevo, June 10th 2026
