Komšić in Antalya: Our path is known, we belong to Europe, which means the EU and NATO

(Patria) - Members of the BiH Presidency addressed a panel today as part of the Diplomatic Forum in Antalya. They particularly emphasized the importance of the European path for the citizens of BiH.

The panel mainly discussed BiH's path to the EU and NATO, as well as the repercussions of the war between Russia and Ukraine on the Western Balkan region and BiH, writes Anadolija.

The Chairman of the BiH Presidency, Željko Komšić, stated that he is optimistic regarding the decision to open accession negotiations with the EU in March this year.

- I was slightly optimistic, and now I am more optimistic. I think an agreement will be reached that will enable the decision to open EU negotiations with BiH to be positive - said Komšić.

He assessed it as important for our country to open negotiations in March, and noted that the EU has lowered its criteria, adding that he sees a positive mood among EU member states for BiH's request to be positive.

The atmosphere is positive regarding the EU, Komšić points out, adding that the obligation to fulfill what is asked of us still remains.

When asked if there should be concern due to statements that Russia could destabilize the Balkans and that this region could become a new crisis hotspot, Komšić replied that it is clear that BiH belongs to Europe.

- In the Balkans and in BiH, you always have reason to be concerned. The Balkans are a bit further from Russia, but in the modern world, physical distance means nothing.

Therefore, I deeply believe that BiH should have friends all over the world. Our path is known, and it stems from our geographical position and cultural milieu; we belong to Europe, which means the EU and NATO - added Komšić.

Member of the BiH Presidency, Željka Cvijanović, says she is moderately optimistic regarding the opening of accession negotiations with the EU.

- BiH has been on the European path for many years. I am moderately optimistic. We have received 14 priorities and much has been done.

The responsibility lies with the local authorities, but also with the foreign factor. We all need to work together on matters where common agreement can be reached.

We need to work on these issues where we have full consensus, and here I also mean the European path - said Cvijanović.

#ADFTalks: Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina https://t.co/WfeWWXVjLs

— Antalya Diplomacy Forum (@AntalyaDF) March 1, 2024

Member of the BiH Presidency, Denis Bećirović, stated that BiH has a European and Euro-Atlantic future.

- Regarding the opening of negotiations with the EU, I expect a positive decision on March 21st. There are serious reasons for this.

On the internal level, this Presidency has fulfilled all obligations on the European path, and the Council of Ministers and the State Parliament have achieved notable results - assessed Bećirović.

He adds that the EU's support for Bosnia and Herzegovina is an investment in the security of the whole of Europe.

- Russia's invasion of Ukraine is the biggest geopolitical earthquake of the 21st century, and the repercussions of this great earthquake are certainly felt in the Western Balkans, especially in BiH.

Therefore, the help and support of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina are not just support for our country; it is also an investment in the security and stability of Southeastern Europe and the entire European continent - Bećirović believes.

He also emphasized the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the NATO alliance.

- Everywhere I emphasize the fact that the NATO alliance is a strategic goal of the state of BiH. We have a consensus on this; we have achieved it within our state bodies.

The NATO alliance is a safe haven for BiH and its people. When we join NATO, it will have its security and economic implications. My messages are clear: the NATO path should not be questioned; it is a legal obligation - concluded Bećirović.