On Wednesday 15 February, MEPs called on the relevant authorities in Bosnia-Herzegovina "at all levels", "to commit actively" to the EU accession process.
In Cristian Preda's (EPP, Romania) report on the Commission's 2016 report on Bosnia-Herzegovina which the MEPs adopted, MEPs ask the country's authorities to be serious in undertaking reforms able to improve the socio-economic situation of citizens, to lay the foundations for a democratic, pluri-ethnic and effective state, and to bring the country closer to the EU. The MEPs mention the reform of electoral law, the rule of law (especially in the fight against corruption and organised crime), and the reform of the judicial system and public administration. Economic and social reforms must remain permanent and absolute priorities, the MEPs add.
The European Parliament also urges Sarajevo to make progress "urgently" to bring its constitution into line with the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, "so as to make progress on the path of the EU accession process. "Implementing these rulings will help bring about a democratic and effective society, which will guarantee equal rights for all", the Parliament adds.
According to the MEPs, the leaders of all parties in Bosnia-Herzegovina should refrain from nationalist and secessionist speech, and from actions "which threaten the country's cohesion, sovereignty and integrity".
In another area, the European Parliament calls for the "urgent intensification" of efforts to fight against radicalisation, and for "measures to identify, prevent and stem the flood of foreign fighters". (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)