Brussels, 21/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 21 April, the Council adopted a decision concluding the stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) between Bosnia-Herzegovina and the EU. The SAA is therefore expected to enter into force on 1 June 2015. “This is an important step in our relations and a good incentive for the country to continue its reforms and its track toward the EU”, said Latvia's foreign minister, Edgars Rinkevics.
Bosnia-Herzegovina signed its SAA on 16 June 2008 but the agreement remained on hold due to the situation in the country. The Council's decision follows adoption of the written agreement by the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina on 29 January (see EUROPE 11243), signature of the agreement by Bosnian party leaders and approval of the agreement by the Parliament of Bosnia-Herzegovina in February (see EUROPE 11261).
The SAA constitutes the framework of relations between the European Union and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and establishes a free trade area gradually between the EU and the country. It also identifies common political and economic objectives and encourages regional co-operation. The SAA serves as the basis for implementation of Bosnia-Herzegovina's EU accession process, enabling Sarajevo to prepare for future accession.
Rinkevics stated that submitting a request for accession depended on the reforms and progress made by the country. “I think that the road is still long”, he warned. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)