Krišto and Varhelyi: Ensure lasting stability, prosperity, and reform implementation through honest dialogue and consensus

(Patria) - Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of BiH Borjana Krišto, together with the host,
European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, co-chaired the 2nd high-level political forum between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina, held today in Brussels, to continue monitoring the implementation of necessary reforms that the European Commission has set for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the meeting, all participants informed Commissioner Várhelyi about the results achieved
and evident steps regarding their responsibilities in the period after the 1st high-level political forum between BiH and the EU in Sarajevo.

The new EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans region was also discussed. In her statement to the media, Krišto said that the sheer number of BiH officials who arrived in Brussels with an agreed text of conclusions speaks volumes about the absolute commitment and dedication to our country's EU path. She stated that significant progress has been made in the past month, since the publication of the EC's Report on BiH, and that tomorrow we will officially submit the Reform Plan document, prepared in record time by an ad hoc working group of the Council of Ministers of BiH, to the European Commission.

"I believe that we have truly matured and that we can ensure all the necessary prerequisites for
strengthening dialogue between BiH institutions, as well as political leaders in BiH, which will lead us to fulfilling all the conditions that lie before us. We expect Bosnia and
Herzegovina to receive a final date for opening negotiations with the EU by the end of this year",
emphasized Chairperson Krišto.

She stressed that only through honest dialogue and consensus in decision-making through
the established coordination mechanism, and respect for the constitutional structure and competencies
of institutions at all levels of government, can we ensure lasting stability, prosperity,
reform implementation, and final integration into the European family.

At the end of her address, Krišto thanked Commissioner Varhelyi for his continuous support, and for his efforts and dedication to the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina so far. The next, third high-level political forum is planned for May next year.