Mogherini and Hahn Welcome Adoption of Coordination Mechanism

Federica Mogherini and Johannes Hahn, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, issued a joint statement after the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Coordination Mechanism, writes the Bosnian news agency Patria.

- Over the past months, we have seen significant progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina's efforts to move closer to the European Union. In July, the Protocol to adapt the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) was initialled and a decision was made to proceed with the IMF programme, which will provide key support for the implementation of the Reform Agenda.

The EU welcomes the adoption of the Coordination Mechanism, which aims to improve the coordination and implementation of the country's policies, including those related to EU financial assistance, as well as to ensure a more efficient and effective relationship between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union. This is an important step that will be taken into account during our discussions with the Council when considering Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for EU membership. Its effective implementation at all levels will be of key importance.

The EU encourages the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue their enhanced positive relations, to resolve political issues constructively and through dialogue, and to focus on the reforms needed for the well-being of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For our part, we will continue our close and dynamic engagement with Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance efforts towards EU membership.