Magazinović Initiative: BiH Parliament Finally Discusses Implementation of Obligations from EU Opinion

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - At today's session of the Joint Committee for European Integration, an initiative by MP Saša Magazinović was adopted, instructing the Collegium of the House of Representatives of the BiH Parliament, in cooperation with the Council of Ministers of BiH, to prepare material and ensure the presence of relevant members of the Council of Ministers for the next session, so that they may submit relevant information on the measures taken based on the Opinion of the European Commission on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for membership in the European Union, with special emphasis on the implementation of the 14 key priorities from this document.

In the explanation of the initiative, MP Magazinović stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted its application for EU membership on February 15, 2016. The latest Commission Opinion on the membership application states, among other things, that Bosnia and Herzegovina should begin the process of addressing functionality issues in order to meet the requirements for EU membership and assume corresponding obligations. The European Commission considers that accession negotiations with the European Union should be opened when the country achieves the necessary level of compliance with the membership criteria, particularly the political criteria requiring the stability of institutions. In this regard, a set of key priorities has been placed before BiH institutions, on which work needs to be accelerated.

Magazinović particularly emphasized that the role of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EU integration process is, in the opinion of many, underestimated, and the capacities and political importance of the highest legislative body in the country are insufficiently utilized. He stressed that it is very important for all key political actors to take their share of responsibility and engage appropriately in order to prove that the commitment to the European path is not just a phrase used when needed.

"Failure to act or acting too slowly on the recommendations of the European Commission sends a picture of our lack of interest in becoming part of the EU. That is why it is of great importance that the highest legislative body of the state finally organizes a debate on the Opinion of the European Commission and action based on the recommendations from this document, which will result in concrete conclusions and activities that will be recognized both by the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and by partners from Brussels," Magazinović stated.

It is expected that at the next session of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, scheduled for September 15, the positive opinion of the Committee for European Integration on Magazinović's initiative will be confirmed.