We support the European perspective of the country, as a unique, united and sovereign Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are firmly with BiH on the way to the European Union (EU), but the work must be done. Political actors in the country must do this, said the EU’s high representative for foreign and security policy, Josep Borrell, reports Anadolu.
The 5th meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council between BiH and the EU was held in Brussels in the afternoon, after which a press conference was held.
“There is little that we from Brussels can do, it must be done on the ground, you must do it because you bear the responsibility not to let your people down and their hope that they will soon become part of the EU family,” he said.
He pointed out that at the meeting they received detailed information on how BiH is progressing, and praised the efforts of the Council of Ministers under the leadership of Chairperson Borjana Krišto, because the dialogue is constructive, reforms are taking place and various steps are being taken.
“Now you are at 94 percent compliance, which is almost complete, but compliance is not just declarative, expressing good wishes, it is essential implementation,” said Borrell.
He also spoke about initiatives, laws and proposals from Bosnia and Herzegovina. of the Republika Srpska entity, which, as far as I understand, are contrary to BiH’s perspective towards the EU and further isolate that entity.
“The undermining of the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina must end immediately. If such actions continue, they could have serious consequences. Provocative rhetoric and activities that lead to division undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, and the celebration of convicted war criminals must be stopped because there is no place in Europe for those who deal with such things,” said Borrell.
He added that recently in the region they are showing that non-constructive behavior leads to firm actions on the part of the European side, and at the same time the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve continuous progress.
“I call on all political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to focus their energy not on divisions but on the common denominator of EU accession and to fulfill all obligations as soon as possible,” Borrell said, adding that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the country as a whole will benefit the most from this.
The Chairperson of the BiH Council of Ministers, Borjana Krišto, thanked the EU officials for their support and emphasized that BiH must fulfill its obligations.
She expressed her hope that Bosnia and Herzegovina will receive the status of a candidate for EU membership by the end of the year.
She pointed out that today’s meeting was open, constructive, and even a partnership dialogue.
“During the conversation, we opened numerous topics that are on BiH’s path to the EU in order to fulfill our task and become a member of the EU, which is 14 priorities. At this meeting, we informed in detail what BiH has done at this moment when it comes to the European path and meeting the conditions,” said Kristo.
She added that a lot of concrete things need to be done, and the initiatives, decisions and everything that has been adopted need to be implemented, that is, to come to life.
“I expressed the view that dialogue, respect and consensus and respect for constitutional competences lead to progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” she said.
She emphasized that they came from BiH to the EU institutions with an agreed position of BiH.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said that the main topic was how to accelerate BiH’s progress.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is important to the EU and BiH and its population. The EU considers BiH a necessary part of the EU,” said Varhelyi.
He added that there are institutional and financial prerequisites for Bosnia and Herzegovina to start fulfilling its promises, and that now is the time to show results for 14 key priorities.
He pointed out that they want to see that apart from the Council of Ministers, they also want to see that the parliament, before which very important decisions are made, produces results.
“The European program is the only program for Bosnia and Herzegovina that can create real profit for the people, the country and the business community,” added Varhelyi.
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