Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Josip Brkić met on Wednesday in Berlin with Minister for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Gunther Krichbaum. They discussed relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federal Republic of Germany, BiH’s European integration, the political situation in the country, and current security and geopolitical challenges.
As announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH, Deputy Minister Brkić emphasized “that Bosnia and Herzegovina deeply appreciates the long-standing partnership and continuous German support for the reforms and European integration of our country, as well as Germany’s consistent support for the European Union’s enlargement policy and the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries.”
“Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to implementing the necessary reforms, advancing the European agenda, active regional cooperation, and a high level of alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union,” Brkić emphasized.
Brkić added “that our country welcomes the concept of gradual integration as a practical instrument for bringing candidate countries closer to the European Union before full membership, given that greater participation in EU programs, policies, institutions and initiatives can bring concrete benefits to citizens and the economy and further prepare the country for membership.”
At the same time, he pointed out “that gradual integration must not become a substitute for full membership, but an instrument that accelerates the accession process and brings tangible benefits during its duration.”
He noted “that the enlargement of the European Union today represents a strategic investment in the security, stability and resilience of Europe and that the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina as soon as possible would send a strong political signal of the European Union’s commitment to the Western Balkans and further strengthen the reform processes in the country.”
During the conversation, Brkić also addressed the appointment of a new High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stating “that the Office of the High Representative should have limited powers and a clear timeframe, given that its existence is incompatible with the opening of negotiations with the European Union and that the time has come for an internal political agreement.”
German Minister for Europe Gunther Krichbaum reiterated “strong German support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European perspective, emphasizing that further progress towards membership requires overcoming political deadlocks and accelerating the implementation of reforms,” the statement said.
