Commenting on the occasion of Anti-Corruption Day, 9th December, Dr Renzo Daviddi, Charge d’affaires of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, said:
“Tackling and preventing corruption goes to the heart of what the EU is about. The stability of institutions, guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and a well-functioning market economy are amongst the ‘Copenhagen Criteria’ for accession to the EU. Such criteria were also promoted as core values in the founding Treaties of the EU and are essential to its functioning.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has the full commitment and support of the EU in the country’s endeavors to tackle corruption. Our significant financial and technical support is helping Bosnia and Herzegovina to set up the appropriate institutional framework, adopt or amend specific pieces of legislation and ensure appropriate resources are allocated. The fight against corruption will remain a key priority for the EU.
“In this context, the May 2014 recommendations of the Plenary Session of the Structured Dialogue on Justice and Other Rule of Law matters are clear and straightforward. Specific emphasis has been put on the strategic framework for Anti-Corruption. Fighting corruption in potential candidate countries has become a top priority for the EU and represents a very important aspect of the accession process.
“We note that the assessment of this sector in the 2014 Progress Report of the European Commission on Bosnia and Herzegovina is reflected in the latest Transparency International anti-corruption perception index. This indicated that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s position has deteriorated as it has fallen from 72nd place in 2013 to 80th. It is therefore of the highest importance that newly elected officials in BiH now translate political will into concrete action.”
ST
