EU membership is not as important as reforms that mean a better life

(Patria) - Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon, arrived in Sarajevo, where she held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković.

The main topics of discussion were Bosnia and Herzegovina's path to the European Union, which Slovenia strongly supports, and opportunities to increase cooperation between Slovenia and BiH.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, Elmedin Konaković, thanked Slovenia and its head of diplomacy for their support of BiH's European path and expressed hope that BiH will justify the expectations of European officials who have opened the door to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon, stated that she is pleased with the European flags in Sarajevo, the positive stories, and the excitement of the people due to, as she said, Brussels' historic decision to open negotiations with BiH.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken a historic step and opened its path to the European Union. I am very happy and proud that Slovenia played a very important role in this, that we helped in this process, cooperated in the procedure, and that we will continue to do so. Opening negotiations is a difficult process. The destination, membership in the European Union, is not as important as the reforms themselves, which mean an improvement in people's lives. Bosnia and Herzegovina has done an exceptional job in 13 months, which is truly great progress for the country," said Fajon.

She added that she spoke with successful entrepreneurs and young people in BiH today and that she is glad for the younger generations that the country is working on urgent reforms because they, as she said, want to stay in BiH and work here. She also added that financial support for BiH will not be lacking.

"It's not all about money, but reforms mean a better life for people. Bosnia and Herzegovina has always been part of Europe and will always be part of Europe. I sincerely believe today that it is a strategic moment, in light of all the geopolitical tensions around us, to unite, expand, and equalize this Europe. Together, with the Western Balkan countries, 2030 brings readiness within the EU and does not seem so far away," said Fajon, adding that Slovenia will continue to support BiH as much as it can.