Brussels, 09/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - European Council President Herman Van Rompuy made clear on Friday 9 March that the EU stands ready to provide the necessary support and assistance, both in Brussels and through a strengthened presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, “to advance reforms and help the country fulfil its European aspirations”. “There is no reason why Bosnia and Herzegovina should slip behind”, he added after his meeting with Bosnian Prime Minister Vjekoslav Bevanda, on his first official visit outside his own country.
Welcoming the formation of the new government, Van Rompuy pointed out that “political and economic reforms - adopting, implementing and enforcing laws - remain central on the path to the EU”.
Van Rompuy - and Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle in a separate meeting - welcomed the recent positive developments, “including the adoption of the State Aid Law and the Law on Census”. The two also called on Sarajevo to step up efforts on the remaining issues so that the stabilisation and association agreement can come into force as soon as possible, and looked forward to credible steps in bringing the Bosnian constitution into line with the European Convention on Human Rights. Füle also underlined the importance of passing the 2012 budget and working on the overall financial framework for 2012-2013.
“We didn't talk about politics but about harsh reality”, said Prime Minister Bevanda, stating that he was “fully aware” of the efforts his country would have to undertake to fulfil the conditions for joining the EU. He highlighted the progress made since the formation of the new government in February. (CG/transl.rt)