At the end of the third Stabilisation and Association Council on Friday 13 July, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and European Commissioner for Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn underlined that Bosnia-Herzegovina should do more in terms of reforms.
Speaking to press, Hahn urged all the political leaders "to assume their responsibilities", to amend the electoral framework and to bring about the necessary reforms.
Although some important reforms were adopted a year ago, "it is very clear that much remains to be done, particularly in the rule-of-law sector and socio-economic reforms", Mogherini stated.
Ahead of the elections in October 2018, Mogherini reiterated that the electoral programmes should be future-oriented and not the opportunity to return to the divisions of the past. "Only law courts that work, good governance, reforms of the public sector and a future-oriented political culture will be able to convince your citizens that you are serious about European integration", she said.
President of the Council of Ministers in Bosnia-Herzegovina Denis Zvizdić meanwhile said that he preferred to see the glass half-full, mentioning ongoing reforms in the energy and environment sectors, and actions being conducted on the fight against corruption, organised crime, money-laundering and terrorism.
"We are ready to redouble our efforts and to start a strengthened dialogue with the EU", he added.
While Sarajevo sent its questionnaire back with great fanfare at the end of February, with a view to to obtaining the country's EU accession candidate status (see EUROPE 11971), the Commission has asked the country to respond to additional questions. Hahn said that he was waiting to receive these new elements of information in September, in order to contribute to the development of the EU's response, which is foreseen for early 2019.
Zvizdić said he hoped his country would obtain EU accession candidate status before the end of the Juncker Commission, in November 2019. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)