Brussels, 01/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - The stabilisation and association agreement between the EU and Bosnia-Herzegovina entered into force on Monday 1 June.
“Today's full entry into force of the stabilisation and association agreement is a milestone on Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU path”, said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. The Council gave its approval on 21 April (see EUROPE 11299). This agreement, which establishes a close partnership between the two parties and deepens their political economic and trade ties, becomes the main framework for relations between the EU and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
“Political clarity, decisive action and a real, coordinated effort by institutions at all levels are now needed to develop and implement the reform agenda”, Mogherini stated.
The trade section of the stabilisation and association agreement already entered into force on 1 July 2008 with the interim agreement, but it is still due to be amended to take account of the traditional trade that existed with Bosnia-Herzegovina before Croatia joined the EU.
The first meeting of the stabilisation and association Council is expected to take place in the second half of 2015. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)