The European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, co-chaired with representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and the Prime Ministers of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska on Wednesday 17 May in Sarajevo the first EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina High-Level Political Forum. Discussions focused on reform efforts on the road to the European Union, following the European Council’s decision to grant the country candidate status (see EUROPE 13085/6).
“This day marks the beginning of a different approach. And I hope that today will mark the acceleration of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to the European Union”, commented Mr Várhelyi.
“I am convinced that what we have launched today will enable us to achieve the 14 key priorities”, he added, referring to the main axes set out in October 2022 by the Commission in its opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s application for EU membership (see EUROPE 13041/13). The Commission will have to report on the implementation of these key priorities in its forthcoming report in the ‘2023 enlargement package’, expected in autumn.
In addition to the commitment of the Bosnian government to focus on the various reforms to be carried out, the Commissioner also welcomed the formation of the government “in record time” and the establishment of the State budget.
“Now it all depends on the achievement of priorities. If we can do that, I think we can continue to increase the pace. But there is no shortcut. There is no discount. Everything must be delivered. This is the message given to all candidate countries, including Bosnia”, concluded Mr Várhelyi. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)