Deputy Foreign Minister Brkić at COWEB: BiH is a reliable, serious and determined partner of the EU

Brkić informed the diplomats about the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the reform process and activities of BiH on the path to the European Union, and above all about the current situation when it comes to fulfilling the 14 key priorities from the Opinion of the European Commission.

Brkić pointed out that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to promoting peace, stability, security and prosperity in the region, as well as strengthening regional cooperation and building trust in the region, all within the framework of its strategic foreign policy goal - full membership in the European Union. He emphasized that it is the cornerstone of Bosnia and Herzegovina's foreign policy.

He also said that 2022 was a year of success for the Western Balkan region, the process of accession of Albania and North Macedonia to the European Union was unblocked, while Bosnia and Herzegovina was granted candidate status.

Those present welcomed the granting of candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Brkić expressed gratitude for the support shown during that process.

"This is a positive integration signal for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and now it is our responsibility when it comes to fulfilling the 14 priorities from the Opinion of the European Commission," he pointed out.

When it comes to the fulfillment of key priorities, Brkić reported on the progress made in the implementation, especially pointing out that Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Law on Amendments to the Law on Public Procurement of Bosnia and Herzegovina in August 2022, which fulfilled one of the key priorities in the process of accession to the European Union.

Brkić pointed out that the Council of Ministers of BiH has already recorded significant progress in its work and that it has adopted the Budget for 2023, the Program of Economic Reforms for the period 2023-2025 and the Work Program of the Council of Ministers with strategic goals for 2023 in connection with European integration, BiH-NATO cooperation, the rule of law, security, public administration reform, etc.

Brkić particularly emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a reliable, serious and determined partner of the European Union and its member states in strengthening the European security area, which was demonstrated in practice through a dedicated and systemic approach to the migrant crisis, by signing a cooperation agreement with EUROPOL, providing support of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina in NATO missions, which also include the armed forces of EU member states.

He also spoke about the implementation of the results of the 2022 General Election. Although the government at the state level was formed in record time, it has not yet been done at the FBiH level. Negotiations between political parties on the composition of the government are still ongoing, he stated and emphasized that he hopes that the process will end soon.

There was also talk about the reform of the Election Law. Although the amendments to the election legislation related to the City of Mostar were adopted, which made it possible to hold elections in this city after 12 years, concrete steps to amend the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet been taken.

"Although the signatories of the Mostar Agreement undertook to start drafting amendments to the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to ensure legitimate elections and legitimate political representation of constituent peoples and citizens at all administrative and political levels, and to ensure the active and passive electoral right of every citizen in the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this has not yet happened," underlined Brkić. 

One of the topics was the harmonization of the foreign policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the common foreign and security policy of the European Union, and alignment with the statements and restrictive measures of the European Union.

Brkić said that since the beginning of this year, the percentage of compliance has been an impeccable 100 percent.

They also discussed activities within the Berlin Process. On that occasion, the necessity of ratifying all agreements signed as part of this process as soon as possible was expressed.

Diplomats of COWEB welcomed the achieved progress and expressed expectation that Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue with the necessary reform processes, and once again emphasized their undoubted support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path.

COWEB diplomats' visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina is planned for next month, stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

(FENA) S. R.

Početna > News in English