Džaferović from Brussels: Good news for BiH, candidate status possible next year

SARAJEVO,(Patria) - The Chairman of the Presidency of BiH, Šefik Džaferović, said after the meetings of the members of the Presidency of BiH with the leaders of the European Union in Brussels that they had very useful meetings.

Džaferović said they have good news for BiH.

"Two reports will be published next week, one concerning enlargement, and the other a support package for the Western Balkans. Regarding EU enlargement, it was stated today at all meetings that BiH has made significant progress in implementing the 14 EU priorities and that it should continue to diligently fulfill all obligations from these 14 priorities. If this is the case, then we can expect candidate status during 2021. This was stated today at these meetings. Regarding the economic support package for the Western Balkans, which will be presented next week, it should significantly support the infrastructure, energy, and ecological development of the entire Western Balkan region," Džaferović explained.

Illegal migrations were also discussed at the meetings.

"We will have full EU support to deal with this problem more successfully. The EU has prepared a new migration plan which is currently under discussion by EU member states. It will help reduce the number of illegal migrants in BiH," said Džaferović.

One topic was also the issue of regional cooperation.

"It was clearly stated that what is called mini Schengen here is the implementation of the four freedoms. Something that will be standardized in accordance with EU rules. That it is not a replacement, but preparation for EU membership," he said.

Members of the Presidency invited Joseph Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement, which he accepted.