Krišto to EU officials: We have confirmed our commitment to European agenda, reforms and progress

"I will point out that in this short period, the Council of Ministers has demonstrated its efficiency, but also its unquestionable commitment to European integration processes and the values and principles which are ingrained in the EU. We held 10 sessions where we considered more than 500 materials. Our main priorities were strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption, improving the business environment and increasing social welfare. In the first 100 days of the mandate, we made significant progress in these areas," Krišto points out in the letter that FENA had access to.

She submitted information on the most important materials, when it comes to the fulfilment of the key conditions from the Opinion of the European Commission, which this Council of Ministers of BiH has considered and adopted in the past 100 days of work. Firstly, Framework Budget of the Institutions of BiH for the period 2023 - 2025, harmonized with the Global Framework of Fiscal Balance and Policies in BiH for said period, which was previously adopted by the Fiscal Council of BiH. After that, the budget for the year 2023 was adopted, in the largest amount so far, which created the conditions for the normal functioning of the institutions of BiH, and thus the fulfilment of priorities on the European path.          Then, she stated the Economic Reform Program of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2023 - 2025, which was submitted to the European Commission. For the purposes of the 2023 Expansion Package, the Council of Ministers of BiH adopted the Proposal by Bosnia and Herzegovina Institutions for 15 June 2022 – 1 March 2020, and an amendment to the Proposal by Bosnia and Herzegovina Institutions for 1 March – 15 May 2023 is being prepared. Krišto includes among these materials the Agreement on the Financing of the Annual Action Plan in support of the Energy Support Package for the Western Balkans in favour of BiH for 2023 between the EU and BiH, worth 70 million euros, which enables assistance to those most vulnerable in dealing with the rising prices and assistance in the energy transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She also informed them about the Amendments to the Rulebook on the Implementation of the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities. The Council of Ministers of BiH approved the Proposal for the Rulebook on the work and operational cooperation of the joint contact point for BiH for cooperation with EUROPOL. Furthermore, she emphasized that BiH CoM has started several important legal initiatives aimed at improving the business environment and attracting foreign investments. Materials that will initiate a comprehensive reform of the public administration system to improve its efficiency and transparency are also being prepared.

This period of 100 days has demonstrated that BiH is ready and able to respond to numerous challenges. We are aware that much remains to be done. Be assured that the Council of Ministers of BiH will continue to work resolutely and tirelessly to solve all challenges, including fulfilling the 14 key priorities from the Opinion of the European Commission. Our goal remains to open negotiations with the EU and achieve comprehensive progress in the process of European integration, which includes harmonizing legislation, strengthening institutions, reforming the judiciary, fighting corruption and improving the economic situation. Along with the implementation of the necessary structural reforms, our priority and obligation in the next six months is to implement a limited constitutional reform and to adopt changes to the electoral legislation in accordance with the decision of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. By reforming electoral legislation and the judiciary, we can achieve high standards of the rule of law by European standards, which is one of the key conditions for the accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the EU, stated BiH CoM Chair Krišto. 

Additional impetus to our efforts on our path to the EU and in the implementation of reform processes is undoubtedly provided by the support and close cooperation with you, the leaders and high officials of the EU. I am convinced that our future cooperation will be successful and that your continued support will be of great importance in strengthening institutions and democratic processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"I stand assured that the announced high-level Dialogue, on 17 May 2023 in Sarajevo, under the leadership of high-ranking European officials, will achieve exceptional results, which will encourage us to work even more dedicatedly and intensively to advance our common objectives and make the necessary step towards the beginning of negotiations on full membership in the EU. Lastly, allow me to express congratulations on the occasion of 9 May, Europe Day, on behalf of the Council of Ministers of BiH and my own behalf, and once again express my deep gratitude for your wholehearted commitment and interest in opportunities in BiH. I believe that we will continue to have your strong support on our European journey and that you will continue to support our efforts to build a better future for all peoples and residents in BiH, stated Chair of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, in a letter addressed to the highest European officials.

The letter is addressed to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament, David McAllister, the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi.

(FENA) A. B.

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