Bećirović with Soreca: Holding a referendum in RS would challenge decisions of state institutions

(Patria) - Member of the BiH Presidency Denis Bećirović spoke with the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luigi Soreca. The interlocutors welcomed the adoption of the Reform Agenda for the Growth Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina, as an important step on Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path.

During the talks, the commitment to strengthening the partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU was highlighted, as well as the importance of implementing reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path to the EU. Ahead of the visit of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the need for concrete steps in the implementation of key priorities from the European Commission's Opinion was further emphasized.

It was pointed out that the visit comes at an important moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina and represents an opportunity to confirm our country's European perspective.

Speaking about the current political and security situation, Bećirović emphasized that EU and NATO membership are the best framework for strengthening security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. He stated that holding a referendum in the entity of RS would challenge the decisions of state institutions, and that such unconstitutional activities would have an extremely negative impact on the overall situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luigi Soreca, emphasized that the EU remains a reliable partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina in this process, ready to provide financial and technical support for its implementation. He said that the next step is the analysis of the Reform Agenda by the European Commission, in order to verify its compliance with EU standards. In this regard, he added that, in the event of a positive decision from the Commission and member states, Bosnia and Herzegovina would qualify to withdraw 976.6 million euros under the Growth Plan, with the obligation to implement reforms.

Priority areas covered by the Reform Agenda were discussed: green and digital transition, development of the private sector and business environment, development and retention of human capital, and the rule of law.

The member of the BiH Presidency thanked Ambassador Soreca and the EU for their support so far and emphasized that the EU perspective is key to peace, prosperity, and a better future for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.