Konaković: BiH is a test for the European Union

(Patria) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković, spoke today at a press conference in Sarajevo about the challenges in international relations that Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently facing, emphasizing that an exceptionally large number of important situations requiring quick and clear communication are occurring during this mandate, especially due to global crises that are also reflecting on BiH.

- We live in a very demanding, difficult, challenging time in which we protect the interests of BiH first and foremost - stated Konaković.

He reminded that BiH continues to follow the goals of the previously adopted foreign policy strategy, which relies on European integration, cooperation with NATO, and economic connectivity with the European Union. According to him, 93 percent of Bosnia and Herzegovina's exports go to the EU market (i.e., 73 percent to member states and the rest to candidate countries), which further strengthens the country's strategic orientation.

Regarding the current global conflicts, Konaković said that BiH strives to maintain its "moral compass," and due to its own war experience, it has the right to clearly condemn violence wherever it occurs.

- BiH belongs to the European geographical space, it is obliged to respect signed international agreements, among which the Stabilization and Association Agreement is binding for our country if we still want to join the EU – stated Konaković.

He also pointed out certain paradoxes – while some political actors use international tragedies for populist messages, at the same time the domestic economy depends on the EU market, which is also reflected in the announced protests by road hauliers.

- Economic development, the retention of young people, and attracting investments require stable relations with the EU, and populism does not provide real solutions – said Konaković.

He reminded that he returned from France where he had, as he said, one of the most productive meetings in his mandate with the French Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to him, France is increasing its engagement towards BiH and insists on processes, the adoption of the two remaining European laws, and the election of the chief negotiator. Konaković appealed to political actors in BiH to urgently adopt these acts so that they can be sent to Brussels.

He also emphasized that European partners, including ministers from Italy, Romania, and Croatia, expect BiH to fulfill its technical tasks, and that there are real chances of getting a date for opening negotiations.

According to him, BiH is a test for the EU, a geographical space where Russia succeeds in blocking the interests of our citizens through certain political actors. He emphasized that more than 75 percent of BiH citizens want to join the EU, and that the EU should use its existing mechanisms to protect BiH's European path and support pro-European forces.