The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, participated today in the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group held in Bratislava, at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blanár.
The “Friends of the Western Balkans” group, a format of exceptional importance for candidate countries, brings together the Member States of the European Union (Austria, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Greece and Slovakia) that actively support the European path of the countries of the region, encourage regional cooperation and provide strong political and practical support to the enlargement process.
The meeting in Bratislava took place in two sessions, the topics of which were regional cooperation, security and integration of the Western Balkans into the EU.
During his participation in the session “Gradual Integration of the Western Balkans and Regional Cooperation: Ensuring Synergy and Continuity”, Minister Konaković emphasized the importance of the gradual inclusion of the Western Balkan countries in European processes, while strengthening regional cooperation and synergy.
He emphasized that the key value of this approach lies in the harmonization of regional initiatives with European policies, so that each reform is also a step towards the EU Single Market. The Minister said that for Bosnia and Herzegovina, integration into the European Union is a strategic goal, and regional cooperation is an integral part of it. He recalled that BiH has made significant progress through the adoption of legislation aligned with EU standards, joining European programs and implementing reform agendas that bring tangible benefits to citizens.
He particularly emphasized the importance of clear criteria, measurable results and stronger links between progress and concrete benefits, including financial support and access to European programs. In this context, he also recalled the practical challenges that accompany the free movement of people and goods, such as the status of professional drivers from the Western Balkan countries, and highlighted the initiative to consider this issue through temporary adjustments to the application of the Entry/Exit System (EES).
He stressed that the EES issue does not only affect drivers, and that it is necessary to review the way it is implemented in order to avoid congestion and facilitate entry for all non-EU citizens, thus ensuring the continuity of regional connectivity and mobility. In the same context, he also pointed out the problem of increased tariffs on steel imports to the EU market.
The Minister also pointed out the importance of preserving stability and institutional continuity in BiH, emphasizing that international support for the Dayton Peace Agreement and the constitutional order remains of key importance.
He emphasized the role of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) as a mechanism that ensures the implementation of the Dayton Agreement and called on EU member states to actively contribute to preserving the OHR’s capacities and its functional role, especially in the context of the process of appointing a new High Representative.
He added that in the current geopolitical circumstances, a clear and unified commitment by the international community to continue supporting the OHR and its mission is of particular importance.
In his address during the session “Security as a New Dimension of Integration – Opportunities for Current and Future EU Members”, Minister Konaković emphasized that through joint action by EU member states and partners from the Western Balkans, Europe can build a more secure and resilient future.
