The EU Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Bosnia offers new hope for the country, Afzal Khan MEP the S&D Group’s Shadow Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina has said.
Speaking in the European Parliament Mr Khan said that delivering economic prosperity to the country must be a top priority but that this could only be achieved with political reform and a focus on tackling corruption.
The MEPs comments came as the European Parliament prepared to vote on a report examining the country’s progress towards becoming an EU member. Mr Khan played a key role in formulating the report, in his role as Shadow Rapporteur.
In his remarks Mr Khan also reiterated that the S&D group remained fully committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina being part of the European Union.
In the debate Afzal Khan MEP, said:
“The new EU approach towards Bosnia is a new hope for the country. [I] very much welcome the long awaited entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement set up for 1st June of this year.
“The S&D Group remains fully committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina being part of the European Union.
“There is a pressure for change in Bosnia coming from all sides – not only from the EU but more importantly from the citizens themselves. Addressing socio-economic needs of citizens must be the priority [but this] is only possible if it is based on a democratic and inclusive society and state.
“Socio-economic reforms must not undermine nor violate the fundamental labour and trade union rights [and the] fight against corruption is another must, as it affects all sectors, even health and education, exploiting the most vulnerable people.
“We urge the new country leaders to refrain from divisive nationalistic and secessionist rhetoric that polarizes the society [and] instead commit to carrying out the necessary reforms… to improve the lives of the citizens and move forward in the EU integration process.”
ST
