European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during her visit to Sarajevo that Bosnia and Herzegovina is “on the threshold of the European Union“, calling for political unity and determination in continuing European reforms, FENA reported, BTA reported.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has come a long way and today you stand on the threshold of the European Union“, von der Leyen said after her meeting last night with the President of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia, Borjana Kristo.
Von der Leyen welcomed the progress on the Reform Agenda prepared by the institutions of the Balkan country, calling it “proof of the commitment and maturity of the Bosnian institutions“. She stressed that the next step is the finalization and ratification of the necessary agreements for access to funds under the EU Growth Plan, which could secure investments of one billion euros.
“The holding of the first intergovernmental conference will require the adoption of key laws in the field of justice and the appointment of a chief negotiator. This must be a person who enjoys the trust of all“, said the EC President, quoted by FENA.
Von der Leyen stressed that the enlargement process is not only political, but also “a matter of the heart and will of the people“. According to her, 72 percent of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina trust the European Union, and two thirds of young people between 15 and 39 years old support European integration.
“This is the strongest message that future generations want to live in a stronger and more united Europe“, von der Leyen said.
As part of her visit, she also visited Srebrenica, stressing the importance of preserving the memory of the victims of the genocide and the need for reconciliation and respect for all victims.
The President of the Bosnian Council of Ministers, Borjana Krsto, described the visit as a “clear confirmation of the country's European perspective“. She announced that the Council of Ministers had submitted 24 laws to the parliamentary procedure, 17 of which were related to intellectual property, with the aim of harmonizing legislation with that of the EU.
Krsto noted that the Reform Programme with a list of concrete measures was adopted on 30 September, and that work is underway on the loan agreements and the Growth Facility, which will provide the first tranche of €68 million. She expressed regret that two key laws - on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina - have not have received parliamentary support, but assured that efforts for their adoption will continue.
Krishto also announced that a decision has been prepared to create the post of Chief Negotiator of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the negotiations with the EU.
“I hope we will put it to a vote soon. This will be a test of whether we are all really “for“ the European path“, she stressed.