Bećirović with Kallas: BiH's EU membership should be viewed as a geopolitical investment in the continent's stability and security

(Patria) - Chairman of the BiH Presidency Denis Bećirović held a meeting today in Brussels with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.

Bećirović emphasized that the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region cannot be viewed separately from the overall security of the European continent, stressing that attempts at destabilization in Bosnia and Herzegovina are part of a broader context of pressure on the European security space.

- Dynamizing the path towards full membership in the EU is not just one of the strategic goals of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is also a clear commitment of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as over 75% of citizens in all surveys clearly express support for EU membership - said Bećirović.

He also pointed out that aligning the country's foreign policy with the EU's common foreign and security policy is not only a strategic commitment but also a contractual obligation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- Bosnia and Herzegovina is a responsible and reliable partner of the EU. This is evidenced by the fact that in the last three years, we have aligned the foreign policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the EU's foreign and security policy - added Bećirović.

He stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina wants to actively contribute to the stability of the European continent as a future full member of the EU and NATO alliance, particularly through a joint response to contemporary security challenges and threats.

He warned of numerous hybrid threats aimed at weakening the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its institutions.

In this regard, he emphasized the need to strengthen concrete cooperation with relevant EU institutions to combat hybrid threats, including cybersecurity, protection of critical infrastructure, diversification of energy sources, strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions, and combating malign influences and the spread of disinformation.

He also stated that the EU's enlargement policy in the new geopolitical context is not just a technical process, but a strategic instrument for strengthening Europe's stability, security, and political cohesion.

- BiH's EU membership should be viewed as a geopolitical investment in the stability and security of the European continent - Bećirović stated.

High Representative Kallas thanked the Chairman of the BiH Presidency for choosing Brussels as his first foreign policy destination during his presidency.

She reiterated the EU's strong support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as its European path. She emphasized that EU enlargement is a key geostrategic instrument for strengthening stability and security in Europe.

She particularly highlighted the importance of EU support for Bosnia and Herzegovina through the European Peace Facility (EPF), all with the aim of strengthening defense capabilities, supporting the activities of the BiH Armed Forces, and their participation in military operations.