Krišto announces support for Reform Agenda in second round of voting, also calls for adoption of the 2025 Budget of BiH Institutions

(Patria) - Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Borjana Krišto at today's press conference with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos expressed expectation that the Reform Agenda will be adopted in the second round of voting at the session of the Council of Ministers of BiH scheduled for September 24. On that same day, Kos will address the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, and SNSD has announced a boycott. The ministers from SNSD are key when it comes to adopting the Reform Agenda, which was rejected in the first round of voting at the previous session by Staša Košarac, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, who demanded that "the RS entity be more visible."

"I want to express optimism, and it is not unfounded; I am convinced that in the second round of voting we will adopt the Reform Agenda and that the European Commission will be informed about it. The Reform Agenda is tied to key reforms concerning the economy and the interests of all peoples in BiH, and we must do this because of our responsibility towards everyone in BiH. Many reforms relate to reducing costs for all citizens, roaming, payment transaction costs, and infrastructure. After adopting the Reform Agenda, a huge amount of work awaits us because it is not a job that ends with a declaration. Political representatives of the authorities in BiH must approach it in a responsible and functional manner," said Krišto.

The high-ranking political officials also discussed fulfilling the remaining conditions on the European path so that Bosnia and Herzegovina can hold an Intergovernmental Conference, which would officially begin the negotiation process. That moment would open a new dimension of our relations with EU institutions and deepen cooperation that, through the integration of our country, would gradually introduce European standards that would strengthen stability and enable functionality.

Krišto emphasized that for all obligations BiH has, it is also necessary to adopt the Institutions Budget for 2025.

Kos and Krišto also discussed the necessary laws that BiH must adopt, such as the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (VSTV), the Law on Courts, and the appointment of the chief negotiator with the EU.

"When it comes to appointing the chief negotiator, there was consensus, but there was no will to implement it through political bodies," Krišto pointed out.

If the Reform Agenda is not adopted by September 30, BiH will face a new reduction from the Growth Plan of an additional 100 million euros.

Asked whether she has a guarantee from SNSD that they will support the Reform Agenda, Krišto said:

"Our main foreign policy goal is the European path of BiH. No one has questioned this at the political level or through institutions. There are no objections as to why the Reform Agenda should not be adopted," said Krišto.

Kos called on political leaders to take responsibility and reminded that research has shown that the majority of BiH citizens support joining the European Union. She expressed hope that these decisions will be made before the arrival of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in BiH.