Bećirović and Cvijanović Discuss BiH's European Path with Von der Leyen

(Patria) - Members of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović and Željka Cvijanović received the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

The members of the Presidency of BiH expressed their gratitude to the President of the European Commission for her dedicated commitment and continuous support to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to European Union membership. They assessed that the granting of candidate status sent a clear message to everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina that they are part of the European family, as well as a positive incentive to take concrete steps towards the European Union. They stated that the Presidency of BiH, as well as other institutions at all levels of government, have made significant progress in fulfilling the 14 conditions from the European Commission's Opinion. In this regard, they expressed their expectation that the European Union will make a decision on the start of accession negotiations for full membership with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

President Von der Leyen, who is visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina to present the new economic growth plan for the Western Balkans, emphasized that the European Union has secured significant funds for the countries of the region, which will be tied to the implementation of reforms. The goal of the plan is economic progress through bringing the Western Balkans closer to the single European market, strengthening economic integration within the region, accelerating reforms, and increasing investments and pre-accession assistance. She welcomed the efforts and progress made by Bosnia and Herzegovina on the reform path and reiterated her support for the enlargement process and the membership of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkan countries in the European Union. President Von der Leyen expressed hope that the positive momentum in the European Union will provide an incentive to take concrete steps on the country's European path, emphasizing the mutual importance of the enlargement process for Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the European Union.

The members of the Presidency of BiH welcomed the European Union's new plan for the economic growth of the region's countries, highlighting its importance and positive effects on the overall standard of living for all citizens. They emphasized their commitment to the reform process, the country's European path which has no alternative, preserving peace and stability, economic development, and regional cooperation as key objectives of their actions.

On behalf of the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Željko Komšić, advisor Vanja Filipović attended the meeting.