Costa after meeting in the Presidency: BiH can pay a high price if it does not seize the opportunities offered by the EU

(Patria) - I came to Sarajevo on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide and the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement to convey a message of concern regarding secessionist moves in the RS.

This was stated today at a press conference by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, after a meeting with members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.

Costa said that the European Union is committed to the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and added that he conveyed to the members of the BiH Presidency that their role is crucial in preserving peace.

- What is important is to lower tensions, to ensure joint work of political leaders who will work on accelerating the European path.

For our part, we are seeking the adoption of two important laws in the field of judiciary and the appointment of a chief negotiator and the adoption of the reform agenda.


Photo: Patria

Your country and citizens can pay a high price if the opportunities offered by the EU are not seized, to make progress in the accession process, a new momentum in the enlargement process.

To take advantage of the benefits of the Growth Plan, as all other partners from the Western Balkans are doing. Citizens of BiH, unfortunately, are the only ones in the region not using money from the Growth Plan - Costa points out.

According to the preliminary plan, BiH could receive one billion and 85 million euros from the Growth Plan. However, the European Commission says that the funds will be paid only after the implementation of reforms.

The Chairwoman of the BiH Presidency, Željka Cvijanović, said that the path towards the EU must be built "if two sides are taken - the institutions of BiH and the European Union - without the High Representative in BiH".

- I believe that we came to a standstill due to non-Dayton interventions by a foreigner that led us to a crisis, and I believe that with the support of the EU we can set movements, without the imposition of international factors - added Cvijanović.