Brussels Prepared a Set of Conclusions, No Abandoning Conditions!

The European Union has prepared a new set of conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will be discussed by the foreign ministers of the EU member states on Monday, confirmed for the BH news agency Patria (NAP) Maja Kocijančić, spokesperson for the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, Catherine Ashton.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will, as previously announced, be on the agenda of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

The debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and on a possible new approach towards BiH has been ongoing for weeks in Brussels, and this week, within the EU Council's working bodies, conclusions have been crystallized that will be proposed to the heads of diplomacy for adoption. The proposed conclusions have not yet been released to the public.

Kocijančić points out that the conclusions will address the current political situation in BiH and the position of the European Union. When asked if the conclusions also address the issue of a new EU strategy towards BiH, she answers with a question.

- I don't know what a new strategy means to you in BiH? The EU has clearly stated, and this is the message from Baroness Ashton as well, that the authorities and political leaders must understand the citizens' demands and take economic measures. The EU is prepared to provide its support in this regard. We are ready to help BiH meet the conditions, which means there is no abandoning what applies to all candidate countries - states Kocijančić.

During the discussions on the EU's relationship with BiH, Croatia proposed an adapted approach, but, as we learn, these conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council will not address a "package" of a new approach. Most countries, as we learn, have requested more time to consider the situation and make their stance, and it is expected that the new conclusions will reiterate the call for BiH authorities to fulfill previous obligations.