The Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), Nermin Niksic, yesterday met with the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to BiH, Luigi Soreca, at the Federation’s government headquarters in Sarajevo. The main topics of the meeting were BiH’s European path, reform priorities, as well as infrastructure projects and investments.
During the discussion, a shared commitment to accelerating reforms that pave the way for BiH’s path toward the EU was confirmed. Ambassador Soreca expressed regret that, at yesterday’s session of the Council of Ministers of BiH, yet another opportunity to bring BiH closer to the EU was missed.
Prime Minister Niksic emphasized the FBiH Government’s dedication to reform priorities, fulfilling obligations, and strengthening institutional functionality, all aimed at bringing the country closer to the EU.
The interlocutors also discussed the implementation of infrastructure projects, including Corridor Vc, one of the main infrastructure projects in the FBiH. Prime Minister Niksic stressed that road infrastructure and the construction of Corridor Vc are key commitments of the FBiH Government and a vital interest for all citizens of the country.
State property was also a topic of discussion, particularly in the context of investments on hold due to unresolved positions. The parties agreed that they share the same goal: to create conditions for new investments and foster a favorable business environment.
“Our interest is to invest and build, not to transfer ownership, while respecting the decisions of the Constitutional Court of BiH and the High Representative in BiH. In the Federation, we are not seeking the transfer of state property ownership; rather, it should be used for general social purposes,” said the Prime Minister.
During the meeting, the interlocutors also exchanged information on the Central Bank of BiH (CBBiH) joining SEPA, the Single Euro Payments Area.
Ambassador Soreca noted that BiH is very close to submitting the application, and that certain steps along this path also need to be taken by the entities. Prime Minister Niksic stressed the Federation Government’s firm commitment to fulfilling its part of the obligations as soon as possible.
Ambassador Soreca stated that the EU Delegation in BiH will continue working for the benefit of BiH and that, regardless of obstacles, it remains a partner in the country’s European path, investments, and reform projects, the Federation Government’s Public Relations Office reported.
