European Council President António Costa visited Sarajevo on Tuesday as part of his Balkans tour. He was given a warm reception upon his arrival prior to his meetings with members of the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In a statement, the European Council chief announced that the EU “remains committed” to European future of the country. He also praised Željka Cvijanović, Denis Bećirović and Željko Komšić and Borjana Krišto – all members of the presidency – for their role in maintaining stability and security in the country and the region.
Recently, tensions have been brewing domestically over the leader of Republika Srpska – Milorad Dodik – actions, which the government has denounced for undermining the country’s constitutional order.
Western powers and the EU have condemned Dodik for his provocations after he had suggested that the Dayton Agreement, the peace agreement that formally ended the Bosnian War in 1995, have outlived their purpose.
In his statement, Costa underlined the importance of the Dayton accords, set to mark its 30th anniversary this year.
“And this year, on the 30th anniversary of Srebrenica genocide and the Dayton/Paris agreement, I believe that it is an important message to remember,” said Costa.
Costa also outlined that some reforms are needed to ensure Bosnia remains on the path to EU membership.
“We need the approval of two judiciary laws, the appointment of a chief negotiator, and the adoption of the reform agenda to move towards on the Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European path.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only country that does not benefit from the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Costa stressed that the implementation of these reforms are of paramount importance to ensure the citizens of Bosnia benefit from the EU plan. ]
“The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are the only ones in the region who do not benefit from the Growth Plan yet.”
“I would like to see Bosnia and Herzegovina joining the other Western Balkans partners in profiting from all that the European Union has to offer,” noted the Council president.
Costa will next travel to Montenegro and Albania on Wednesday where he will meet with President Milatović in Podgorica and President Osmani in Tirana. He’ll conclude his tour with a visit to Skopje in North Macedonia where he will be meeting with Prime Minister Mickoski.
Additional sources • AP
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