Strasbourg, 06/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 6 February, MEPs called on the EU to be more involved in bringing Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the EU. In the draft resolution by Doris Pack (EPP, Germany) that it adopted (468 votes to 80, with 35 abstentions), the Parliament calls for the EU to pursue the dialogue with the country's leaders and to proceed to a re-assessment of its approach. The Parliament also urges the European Council and member states to step up their efforts to support a consensus between the country's political leaders, so that the reforms of the constitution and reforms linked to the EU might be conducted. MEPs ask the European Commission to increase its efforts to facilitate an agreement on the implementation of the Sejdic-Finci ruling, and to play a useful role in implementing the objectives of the EU's agenda. They call on the next high representative and commissioner for enlargement to make Bosnia and Herzegovina a priority.
The Parliament also calls on Bosnia to make serious efforts. The Parliament asks the political groups to conduct closer dialogue and cooperation so as to overcome the current difficulties, with a view to progressing on the path of reform and to improving the lives of citizens. These political leaders should work to implement the roadmap of the high-level dialogue in order to meet the conditions enabling the stabilisation and association agreement to enter into force, MEPs state. They also call for the implementation of a real coordination mechanism on the level of the EU, adding that, without this coordination mechanism, the EU accession process will remain in stalemate. MEPs call for reforms in the electoral law, judicial system and public administration, and they call for strengthened coordination of national economic policy, as well as progress in the fight against corruption and organised crime, and the protection of minority rights.
MEPs hail the constructive role that Bosnia and Herzegovina plays in regional cooperation and they call on it to continue its efforts with a view to resolving the border disputes. (CG/transl.fl)