Mogherini: BiH needs reforms and there is no need for it to lag behind any longer

EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, said about the new initiative for Bosnia and Herzegovina presented in Berlin by the foreign ministers of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the United Kingdom, Philip Hammond, that she greatly appreciates the ideas on the path of progress for BiH.

- They advocate a new approach, which I had the opportunity to discuss with them over the past few days, with the aim of getting Bosnia and Herzegovina moving again on the path of reforms so that it can continue its approximation to the EU. We all agree that after the recent elections, Bosnia and Herzegovina should not continue to lag behind. So far, the EU and its international partners have done a lot to help the country overcome challenges. But a new spirit is needed in the effective implementation of reforms that are key not only for BiH's European path, but most importantly for its citizens - Mogherini said.

She added that the ideas of her British and German colleagues come at the right time and address the right issues.

- I will use the first opportunity at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 17 November to consider the presented ideas, on which occasion we will have a detailed discussion with all EU foreign ministers. Also, I intend to visit Sarajevo as soon as possible to discuss the next steps with the new leadership of the country - Mogherini stressed.