The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said today in Sarajevo, after a meeting with members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, that it is up to the BiH authorities to decide whether to accelerate the fulfillment of the conditions for progress towards membership in the European Union, stressing that the country is only a few steps away from the opening of accession negotiations.
He pointed out that now is the right time for the authorities to focus on reform processes and intensify their implementation, assessing that, although the road to the EU is demanding, there are concrete results that can be achieved relatively quickly through harmonization with the Union’s legislation.
Costa called on the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt the remaining two laws in the field of justice and appoint the chief negotiator, which, he emphasized, is crucial for further progress on the European path.
He emphasized that it is urgently necessary to start the implementation of the reform agenda, which would enable the activation of funds from the Instrument for Reforms and Growth, promote economic rapprochement with the European Union and contribute to the improvement of citizens’ living standards.
“Do not miss this opportunity for your citizens,” said Costa.
He reminded that membership in the European Union is a sovereign decision of Bosnia and Herzegovina that implies much more than access to the single market, including membership of a political union based on common strategic priorities.
In the context of current geopolitical and economic challenges, Costa pointed out that the enlargement process is not only an opportunity, but also a geostrategic interest of Europe, assessing that it represents an investment in peace, stability and security on the continent.
He also announced the upcoming summit of the European Union and the Western Balkans, which will be held in Tivat at the end of the week, stressing that this meeting will be a confirmation of the EU’s commitment to deepening cooperation and continuing the enlargement policy.
Speaking about the role of the international community, Costa emphasized that it is important that the new high representative is appointed by the Steering Committee of the Peace Implementation Council, and that this decision reflects the European aspirations of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He assessed that Bosnia and Herzegovina has made significant progress since 1995, and said that the European Union will continue to cooperate with domestic institutions to build a common European future.
After the meeting with the members of the Presidency, Costa will also meet with the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto. Upon his arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the President of the European Council begins his second visit to the countries of the Western Balkans, and will end the visit on June 5 in Tivat, where he will participate in the EU – Western Balkans summit.
