We are opening the door very wide and inviting Bosnia and Herzegovina to go through it, but in order for that to happen, results must be shown, announced the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, after the College of Commissioners of the European Union.
Enlargement as a historical task of the EU
The College of Commissioners of the European Union met this morning to discuss the progress made by countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, in their efforts to join the EU. At the College, Bosnia and Herzegovina received the green light to start negotiations on membership in the European Union, but under certain conditions.
“Today is a historic day because the European Commission proposes to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. Likewise with BiH, but the moment the conditions are met. The European Commission also proposes that the Council grant Georgia the status of a candidate country on the condition that certain steps are taken steps,” explained von der Layen.
When it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina, von der Leyen said that they recognized the entire series of steps taken, such as the rapid formation of the Council of Ministers, as well as the commitment of all political parties in order to join the European Union.
“However, we also note that the Republika Srpska has passed a number of unconstitutional laws. Therefore, the European Commission recommends the EU Council to join the negotiations, but only when the necessary degree of compliance with the criteria is achieved. The Commission will report to the EU Council on progress in March 2024,” she emphasized. is her, saying that enlargement is the key and completing the European Union, “our historical task”.
“Citizens of the countries that want to join the European Union are Europeans. We are bound by geographical, historical and value ties. The completion of our Union follows a solid economic and geopolitical logic because the previous enlargements have brought great advantages. We are all winners in this,” she concluded.
An additional 6 billion euros to support reforms in the Western Balkans
Commissioner for European Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi spoke to the media after the College of Commissioners of the European Union about the progress of the countries of the Western Balkans towards European integration. He clarified what countries still need to do in order to speed up integration.
Varhelyi believes that progress is visible on the ground, but points out that there is still work to be done when it comes to the countries of the Western Balkans. He announced that an additional six billion euros will be requested to help the countries of the Western Balkans in the process of reforms requested by the EU.
“Now we will talk about real integration on the ground, in other words, how we will speed up the integration of our economies, societies and countries. I mean us and our partners in the Western Balkans. This brings real advantages for both sides, and the countries of the Western Balkans advantages should be given even before membership is reached,” he believes.
Varhelyi emphasized that the plan has four aspects for integrating partners from the Western Balkans, taking into account all the obligations arising from the regulations and rules of the European Union. He added that they are ready to help and make themselves available, but that in return they want to contribute to the region’s stability and prosperity.
He also emphasized that countries must harmonize with the social systems and markets of the European Union.
“Of course, we cannot close inequality on our own, so we will be ready to speed up joint work. We propose to the EU Council to increase our financial support in favor of that reform plan with an additional 6 billion euros of support, which would mean that we would need to increase their GDP by a third from our contributions,” Varhelyi stated.
