MEPs, concerned by the “marked slowdown in the pace of reforms” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, linked in particular to differences between the parties, urged the country, on Wednesday 13 February, to accelerate reforms and implement them.
The report by Cristian Dan Preda (EPP, Romania), adopted in plenary by 468 votes to 123 with 83 abstentions, calls for the adoption of a new EU-oriented reform programme immediately after the constitution of the new authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, “in order to resume the reform process and make progress towards the country's European integration”.
MEPs insist on “the need for constitutional, political and electoral reforms that would transform Bosnia and Herzegovina into a fully effective, operational and inclusive state based on the rule of law”. We must also strengthen the foundations of the economy, such as growth, employment and the fight against the informal economy, added the MEPs.
According to MEPs, further efforts are needed to strengthen the fight against “widespread” corruption in the country, but also in the fight against crime and radicalisation. They recalled the need to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, restructure the public sector and defend freedom of expression and media independence.
MEPs also urged political leaders to engage without delay in the formation of governments at all levels, working "together and constructively in the interest of their fellow citizens", regretting nationalist and ethnic rhetoric (see EUROPE 12183). They also called for more effective measures to combat all forms of discrimination. For the deputies, it is also necessary that the House of Peoples of the Federation be quickly constituted, respecting the decisions rendered by the Constitutional Court of the country (see EUROPE 12163).
The Parliament also asks Sarajevo to answer the additional questions in the European Commission's questionnaire, ”in a timely, transparent and detailed manner”. On the basis of these replies, the Commission will give an opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for EU membership.
Finally, MEPs welcomed the continuation of the military operation EUFOR Althea (see EUROPE 12117). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)