The European Union (EU) must not forget and neglect Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is important for the stability of the entire Western Balkans, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn said in Sarajevo today.
Yesterday, he met with BiH Foreign Minister Bisera Turkovic, with whom he discussed relations between the two countries and BiH’s European path.
He welcomed the political agreement accepted in Brussels on Sunday by members of the BiH presidency and most of the country’s parliamentary party presidents.
“I believe this is a positive sign. The EU must consider the situation in Ukraine, also in Moldova, and even in Georgia. But we must not ignore the Western Balkans, which is not only in our backyard but also in our garden,” Asselborn said.
He added that holding general elections on October 2nd this year could be an opportunity for BiH and the EU to renew their relations.
“As far as the EU accession process is concerned, it is a way to ensure democracy, peace, security, prosperity and stability for the whole continent for the whole EU and all its citizens. Therefore, I really hope that efforts will continue to meet the 14 key priorities of the Opinion European Commission “, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg.
Referring to other countries in the Western Balkans, Asselborn said the EU should decide to open accession talks with Northern Macedonia.
“Once again, I would call on Bulgaria not to block the decision-making. It is not about prime ministers, ministers, it is about people. And the citizens of Northern Macedonia deserve respect. That country has come a long way, it has even changed its name, which is a precedent in the history of the European Union, “Asselborn said.
He added that it was important to keep Montenegro on the right path, and expressed hope that Serbia and Kosovo would turn to the future and that Belgrade would opt for the path to Brussels.
Asselborn also referred to the citizens of BiH who live in Luxembourg, emphasizing that about 1,800 BiH people live in that country, which make up a very active community.
“All of them are well integrated into our society, they are citizens of Luxembourg, but they maintain contacts with the homeland of BiH. This is something that we not only respect but also actively promote,” Asselborn said.
