Komšić in Antalya: Our path is clear, we belong to Europe, and that means the EU and NATO

(Patria) - Members of the Presidency of BiH addressed a panel today as part of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. They particularly emphasised the importance of the European path for the citizens of BiH.

The panel mainly discussed BiH's path towards the EU and NATO, as well as the reflections of the war between Russia and Ukraine on the Western Balkan region and BiH, Anadolu reports.

Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Željko Komšić said he is optimistic regarding the decision on opening accession negotiations with the EU in March this year.

- I was a mild optimist, and now I am a stronger optimist. I believe that an agreement will be reached that will allow the decision on opening EU negotiations with BiH to be positive - Komšić said.

He assessed it as important that our country receives the opening of negotiations in March, and noted that the EU has lowered the criteria, adding that he sees a good disposition among EU member states for BiH's request to be positive.

The atmosphere is positive when it comes to the EU, Komšić points out, and adds that the obligation to fulfil what is asked of us still remains on us.

Asked whether there should be concern over statements that Russia could destabilise the Balkans and that this region will become a new crisis hotspot, Komšić replied that it is clear that BiH belongs to Europe.

- In the Balkans and in BiH, you always have reasons to be concerned. The Balkans is a little further from Russia, but in the modern world, physical distance means nothing.

Therefore, I deeply believe that BiH should have friends around the world. Our path is known, and it stems from our geographical position and cultural milieu, we belong to Europe, and that means the EU and NATO - Komšić added.

Member of the Presidency of BiH Željka Cvijanović says she is a moderate optimist regarding the opening of accession negotiations with the EU.

- BiH has been on the European path for many years. I am a moderate optimist. We received 14 priorities and much has been done.

Responsibility lies with local authorities, but also with the foreign factor. We all need to work together on things where a common agreement can be reached.

We need to work on these issues where we have full consensus, here I also mean the European path - said Cvijanović.

#ADFTalks: Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina https://t.co/WfeWWXVjLs

— Antalya Diplomacy Forum (@AntalyaDF) March 1, 2024

Member of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović stated that BiH's future is European and Euro-Atlantic.

- When it comes to opening negotiations with the EU, I expect a positive decision on March 21. There are serious reasons for this.

On the internal front, this Presidency has fulfilled all obligations on the European path, the Council of Ministers and the State Parliament have achieved notable results - Bećirović assessed.

He adds that EU support for Bosnia and Herzegovina is an investment in the security of all of Europe.

- The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the biggest geopolitical earthquake of the 21st century, and the reflections of this great earthquake are strongly felt in the Western Balkans, especially in BiH.

Therefore, the aid and support of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina is not just support for our country, it is also an investment in the security and stability of Southeast Europe and the entire European continent - Bećirović believes.

He also emphasised the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the NATO alliance.

- In every place, I underline the fact that the NATO alliance is a strategic goal of the state of BiH. We have consensus on that, we achieved it within our state bodies.

The NATO alliance is a safe haven for BiH and the people in BiH. When we join NATO, it will have its security and economic implications. My messages are clear, the NATO path should not be questioned, it is a legal obligation - Bećirović concluded.