EU Ambassadors with BiH Presidency Members: Local Elections Must Be Held in Mostar Too

SARAJEVo, (Patria) - Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Johann Sattler, and heads of EU missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina met today with members of the BiH Presidency to discuss efforts to leverage political momentum for the country's progress on the path to EU accession, in light of the 14 key priorities from the European Commission's Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for EU membership.

"The first key priority from the Opinion establishes the need to ensure the holding of elections in line with European standards. We expect local elections to be held smoothly this year, including in Mostar, as well as improvements in democratic processes and electoral standards. The EU continues to emphasize that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs concrete economic reforms to make its economy more ready for Europe. We are ready to support BiH authorities in all reforms they undertake to advance the country's modernization and its capacity to assume the obligations of EU membership.

Ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit to be held in Zagreb in May 2020, BiH authorities should seize the opportunity and demonstrate readiness to improve citizens' lives and make genuine efforts towards reconciliation and overcoming the legacy of the past as an unavoidable part of the EU accession process. Success in this endeavor is important for both Bosnia and Herzegovina and for all of Europe," the EU Delegation announced.