The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz warned BiH politicians that European issues should be addressed not becaue of the EU, but because BIH will in the end benefit greatly.
Schulz strongly urges the political forces in BiH to engage in constructive dialogue and to focus on European issues, because the citizens of BiH deserve better.
‘’I do not say this to criticize. I am a friend to BiH and so I can be honest. After rapid progress there is now a halt. Political consensus ceased and work in EU progress has slowed down. Progress is blocked by political disputes and legal procedures. Sadly, since then there has been slow progress in improving institutional structures, strengthening of the legal system, and the crucial fight against organized crime and corruption’’, said Schulz in an interview with “Dnevni Avaz”.
Speaking on the situation in the Western Balkans, Schulz said that this region has made progress in the last period.
‘’States have improved democratic standards, rule of law, the judiciary is strengthened, and there have been many economic reforms. Regional cooperation has significantly enhanced. Many of these reforms are implemented thanks to the prospect of EU membership. The Balkans are not a factor in the destabilization of Europe’’, said Schulz.