Brussels, 17/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - According to the European Commission, Bosnia-Herzegovina has made “very limited” progress in addressing the political criteria and being able to make a credible application for EU membership. In its 2013 progress report on Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Commission states that despite the EU's efforts (see EUROPE 10940), no solution has been found to implement the European Court of Human Rights' Sejdic-Finci judgment. “Addressing this judgment remains key for the entry into force of the stabilisation and association agreement and for a credible application for EU membership”, the Commission states. It continues: “This judgment needs to be implemented as a matter of urgency in order to have the amendments of the constitution and election law in place by April 2014 at the latest, in time for the next general elections”. The Commission adds that no progress has been made in establishing an effective coordination mechanism on EU-related matters.
The Commission regrets the lack of shared vision by the political representatives on the country's direction and future, and on the way the country should function. “Take inspiration from your football team and the success it has had with its entry ticket for the 2014 World Cup. This is the result of team work”, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle told Bosnia-Herzegovina's leaders (our translation).
Bosnia-Herzegovina has made little progress towards a functioning market economy and there is “very limited progress” in terms of approximation to EU law and standards, according to the Commission. Progress has also been limited in the fight against corruption and organised crime, with corruption remaining widespread. The report points out that, despite some progress, discrimination against LGBT and the Roma continues. Nevertheless, some progress has been made in terms of justice, of reform of the judicial system and war crimes. (CG/transl.fl)