Host Johann Sattler: Working meeting on socio-economic reforms

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - After the entity governments adopted the socio-economic reform package in October 2019, which the Council of Ministers of BiH adopted in January this year, the Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative Ambassador Johann Sattler will hold a working meeting on economic reforms with EU representatives, policy makers in BiH and key international partners from 12 to 13 February 2020 in Bijeljina.

Policy makers have been invited to discuss the next steps that would result in progress in meeting EU requirements, especially in the economic field, as well as concrete improvements in the living standards of BiH citizens, in line with the commitments set out in the socio-economic reform package.

The ultimate goals are to improve the business environment, stimulate growth and competitiveness, depoliticise public enterprises, reform the healthcare system and provide better opportunities for young people, women and vulnerable groups.

In December 2019, the EU Council welcomed the European Commission's Opinion on BiH's application for membership of the European Union. In addition to the fourteen key priorities set out in the Opinion, BiH was called upon to reach an agreement and implement socio-economic reform measures at all levels of government, in line with the political guidelines of the Economic Reform Programme (ERP).

In February, the European Commission proposed a stronger link with the economic reform programme process in order to meet the economic criteria.