Brussels Approves Activation of SAA

EU Foreign Ministers adopted in Brussels the recommendation of the High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Federica Mogherini, on the activation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement for BiH, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

1. In the context of its conclusions of December 15, 2014, the Council welcomes the adoption of the Declaration of Commitment by the BiH Presidency on January 29, and its signing by the leaders of political parties and subsequent adoption in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina on February 23, 2015, during the visit of High Representative Mogherini to Sarajevo.

2. Given the commitments undertaken by Bosnia and Herzegovina herewith and in accordance with the conclusions of December 15, 2014, the Council notes that the conditions contained therein have been met and agrees to proceed with the conclusion and entry into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

3. The Council calls on the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to fully fulfill their commitments, including those relating to the adaptation of the upcoming SAA, to remain engaged in relations with the European Union within the framework of a renewed approach and to maintain positive momentum by working on the development of an initial reform agenda in agreement with the European Union. This reform agenda, which needs to be developed and implemented also in agreement with civil society, should include reforms within the Copenhagen criteria and agreed issues related to functionality (including the coordination mechanism with the European Union). For the European Union to consider the membership application, significant progress must be made in the implementation of the reform agenda, including the Growth and Jobs Agenda - it is stated.