The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, met today in Sarajevo with the Minister of European Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, Jessica Roswall, who is on an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At the press conference after the meeting, Konaković said that they discussed the aid package for the Western Balkans, which is an important economic opportunity for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“About the fact that the door to the integration of our market into the European Union (EU) market is opening for us, which in that case would have to attract both domestic and foreign investors. Then we are talking about the solution to our problems or fears that we have due to the excessive pension fund that will be doubled in only eight years because of the departure of young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Konaković, stating that these matters can be solved most effectively and quickly through the European integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He reminded that Bosnia and Herzegovina exports 93 percent of its products to the EU and candidate countries, while annual exports to Russia and China amount to 0.8 percent.
“We are constantly talking about the drivers who spend thousands of years waiting at the borders with the EU and about the advantages that only one green line for those who export goods or travel will bring to our citizens and businessmen and thus create an economic environment that will keep young people in this country, but also to intrigue those who left BiH to start thinking about returning home,” he said.
Speaking about the next steps, Konakovic said:
“The next steps are for the politicians, especially us from the ruling coalition, to continue on the wings of a good result, to move immediately to the law on courts, the law on the protection of personal data, to finish the story of Frontex, to continue our compliance with the EU’s foreign policy, which we have shown that we are fully committed to that European path and we are 100 percent aligned, even though it is not easy every time.”
He added that they are aware of further obligations and are grateful that Sweden and other countries offered help in the next steps, so that BiH’s European journey would last as short as possible.
“I will also remind you that we are the country that traveled the shortest path from obtaining candidate status to the opening of negotiations, we are champions in that respect in relation to the entire region,” Konaković said.
The Minister of European Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, Jessika Roswall, said that this prearranged visit falls at the right time, because it is important to be in Bosnia and Herzegovina in view of the agreement given by the European Council last week.
She congratulated Bosnia and Herzegovina on the decision to open negotiations for BiH’s membership in the EU.
“You have shown commitment to your European path through the adoption of several new laws. As the minister said, you have seized this moment,” Roswall said.
She added that the purpose of her visit was to send a message that the authorities should continue their good work.
“The more concrete results you show, the more effort you put into reforms, the easier it will be to maintain the momentum that supports enlargement. This is especially true when we talk about fundamental issues of democracy and the rule of law, because without robust democratic institutions, deep cooperation within the EU would not be possible. possible,” she said.
She added that Sweden supports Bosnia and Herzegovina on its European path both politically and financially.
“We are one of the largest bilateral donors and we support the European reforms of BiH. The pace of your progress depends on you,” she said, adding that BiH’s place is in the European family, AA writes.
Photo: BHRT/Arijana Misimović Kurdija
