The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Juraj Blanár, welcomes the decision of the leaders of the member states of the European Union to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina on joining the EU. He pointed out that this is an important step for strengthening stability, economic prosperity and the European perspective for the countries of the Western Balkans.
The expansion of the Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina is also in Slovakia’s interest, and Slovakia has been advocating its integration into the EU for a long time.
The head of the Slovak diplomacy supports the expansion of the European Union to the countries of the Western Balkans, and at the same time the countries of the Eastern Partnership, to adhere to a balanced approach and equal conditions for all candidate countries.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina managed to adopt important reform laws in a short time, there are still many other tasks in front of it that it will have to fulfill on its European path, but the opening of accession negotiations is a strong motivation to continue further efforts. I consider the decision of the European Council to be positive news for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as residents of the European Union,” said Juraj Blanár, adding that he also spoke about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress at the March diplomatic forum in Antalya, Turkey, where he met with his Bosnian counterpart Elmedin Konaković, as well as with the Serbian member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željka Cvijanović together with the President of the Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik.
“The countries of the Western Balkans have been waiting for EU membership for more than two decades. We discussed the need for faster progress, which will help stabilize a region that was once torn apart by military conflicts. I am glad that Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken a step closer with today’s decision”, added the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
According to Juraj Blanár, Slovakia is ready to help Bosnia and Herzegovina and transfer experiences from the accession process.
“Slovakia is celebrating the 20th anniversary of our entry into the EU this year, when we were in a similar position as Bosnia and Herzegovina today. We support our Balkan partner, we have built a very good economic and investment cooperation, which would be especially strengthened by European integration. This is exactly why we will be happy to lend a helping hand”, concluded J. Blanár.
