Brussels, 26/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission this week adopted the strategic directions for the use of the €269.9 pre-accession financial aid (non-repayable) which the EU has allocated to Bosnia and Herzegovina for the years 2008-2010. The aim is to help the country implement the stabilisation and association agreement (SAA) and to prepare, in the longer term, for its accession to the EU. The Commission, in its multi-annual indicative planning document (MIPD) which was approved on 23 September, set out the following priorities: - Political reform: the EU aid will be used to strengthen democratic institutions, constitutional reform, public administration reform, fiscal management, reform of the police and judiciary. Combating corruption, the return of refugees and human rights will also be seen as priorities; - Economic development: improving the economic, trade and investment environment; - Harmonisation of the laws of Bosnia and Herzegovina with those of the EU (acquis communautaire); - Cross-border and regional cooperation with its neighbours: Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia. (H.B./transl.rt)