On Wednesday 19 July, the EU’s Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, met with the Chair of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, to review the country’s progress towards EU membership and the challenges that lie ahead. The issue of Republika Srpska - the country’s Serbian entity - understandably occupied a prominent place in the discussions (see EUROPE 13221/5).
“We know - and we explained during the meeting - that there are serious challenges ahead. I would like to refer in particular to the initiatives, laws and announcements of the Republika Srpska (see EUROPE 13216/11) which, as I understand it, run counter to the country’s EU membership prospects and further isolate this entity from Europe”, commented Mr Borrell after the EU/Bosnia-Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Council.
The High Representative deplored the “divisive rhetoric and provocative actions, including the questioning of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country and the glorification of convicted war criminals”, and asserted that “these actions, if they continue, could have serious consequences”.
He also indicated that the EU had the capacity to react and that this would be done if “strictly” necessary.
The EU has also noted a certain amount of progress, starting with the country’s alignment with the EU in terms of foreign and security policy. “You are now at 94%, which represents an almost complete alignment”, added Mr Borrell.
Emphasis was also placed on the importance of meeting the commitments made on 12 June 2022 (see EUROPE 12970/17) to move the country forward on the European path, as well as on making further progress on the 14 key priorities required for the opening of accession negotiations. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)