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SARAJEVO, July 13 (FENA) - The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice-President Federica Mogherini and EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Policy Johannes Hahn today have called on the leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to urgently adopt amendments to the Election law.
After the third meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council between the EU and BiH, they said that they discussed the reforms in the past years and what should be done in the coming period, stressing that electoral reform is important, and that citizens will have the right to vote on the basis of the attitude that politicians take, and this is a chance for political leaders to take concrete steps.
“Election campaign should not be dealing with glorying the past, but it should present positive examples for the future. It is also important to ensure reforms in the public sector and public enterprises, as this is the way in which citizens will be convinced of the seriousness and dedication to European integration," Mogherini explained at a press conference in Brussels.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Zvizdić, who said that the EU path was a priority for BiH and other Western Balkan countries, adding that today they confirmed full commitment to EU integration and readiness to intensify the ongoing dialogue.
“We have initiated 25 different activities. Measures to combat money laundering and terrorism have been adopted, we have advanced in the fight against all kinds of extremism. We are working on strengthening the rule of law and introduction of democratic standards,” he underlined.
Zvizdić expressed hope that during this term, the European Commission would grant Bosnia and Herzegovina a candidate status which will be read as a sign that BiH is on the right path and that this is definitely the most important strategic priority to which BiH is fully committed.
Hahn appealed to BiH leaders to undertake reforms, both in electoral legislation and in other areas, recalling that the objectives of the Reform Agenda should be met in 2018.
It is important now, he pointed out, to see how these activities could continue, as it is necessary to complete them as soon as possible, because it is a way for BiH to mitigate structural deficiencies and move forward, adding that this is also linked to the EU's financial support for BiH.
“BiH has received our support after an increased influx of migrants. We have already approved support of 26 million euros, and another six million euros have been secured for this purpose. We have seen that the EU is being criticized for lack of support, but the matter should be discussed further,” he noted.
He estimated that the economic reforms will improve the overall environment, and noted that it is good news that the economy in BiH is showing signs of recovery in terms of exports, production and job growth.
Hahn also expressed expectation that the responses to the additional questions from the Questionnaire to the European Commission will be delivered by September in order to prepare a opinion that should be ready in 2019.
Chairman Zvizdić and Finance and Treasury and Foreign Ministers Vjekoslav Bevanda and Igor Crnadak attended the 3rd Meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council between BiH and the EU, reiterating the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a unitary and sovereign state.
The EU and BiH officials reviewed the progress achieved so far in key political, economic and legal criteria and the implementation of the Reform Agenda.
(FENA) S. R.
