Brussels, 20/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 19 September, the European Commission organised a trilateral meeting with the Croatian and Bosnian ministers of foreign affairs, Vesna Pusic and Zlatko Lagumdzija, to discuss questions linked to Croatia's accession of the EU and its impact on neighbouring Bosnia-Herzegovina.
A pre-feasibility study financed by the EU will be launched to assess the different options of transport infrastructure so as to ensure a “reliable and sustainable” connection between the area of Dubrovnik and the North-West Croatian mainland. Bosnia-Herzegovina will be associated to the preparation of this study. The Commission also asked Sarajevo to make every effort possible to accelerate the work on the planned access road to the border crossing point at Metkovic (south). The Commission also recalled the importance of ensuring full compliance with the acquis communautaire at the EU's future external border.
On the subject of food safety and veterinary affairs, the Commission confirmed that it will continue to provide Sarajevo with technical assistance so that it can align its legislation with that of the EU. The Commission also encourages Bosnia-Herzegovina to accelerate its work to respond to European requirements in order to enable export into the EU of agricultural products of animal origin. The Commission has committed to very soon launching the necessary procedures for a decision by which the transit of numerous agricultural products of animal origin between Metkovic and the Croatian port of Ploce would be ensured. The next trilateral meeting will take place in Brussels at the beginning of December. (CG/transl.fl)