Bećirović: Decision to open negotiations energises European path and strengthens the state of BiH

(Patria) - Following the decision of the European Council to open European Union accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Chair of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović issued a statement.

"The decision of the European Council to open EU negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina represents one of the greatest achievements on our path towards full EU membership. Bosnia and Herzegovina is beginning a new and much more comprehensive process of cooperation with the EU.

The results we have achieved have been recognised, and the path of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards full EU membership is now clearly charted. At the same time, we must be aware that a great deal of work lies ahead of us in aligning our legislation with European legislation, as well as implementing reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law.

The EU based its decision on two important aspects. First, that Bosnia and Herzegovina has made greater progress in the last year than in the entire previous decade. This is the result of the dedicated work of the state institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The second important aspect relates to the geopolitical significance of this EU decision in terms of strengthening the stability and security of the entire European continent.

Adopting such an approach required strong diplomatic action and continuous cooperation with European partners and key allies of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Strengthening stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, as an inseparable part of the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, was the focus of my numerous conversations with the highest European officials.

The decision of the European Council to open EU negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina is significant for all citizens and peoples in our country. This is a clear message to everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina that our future lies in the EU.

Negotiating for EU membership is a process of political, legal, economic, social and cultural integration aimed at building a democratic and rule-of-law state.

Now that we have opened the door to full EU membership, we must continue the reform processes even more intensively. We have been given the opportunity and trust to demonstrate our commitment and dedication to the EU integration process through concrete actions, and we must seize it. EU membership has no alternative. This is a joint victory for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU.

On this occasion, I thank the EU member states and EU institutions, the EU Delegation to BiH and the ambassadors of EU member states in our country for their support to Bosnia and Herzegovina," Bećirović stated in the announcement.