Petritsch: New EU approach to BiH must not be missed

On the occasion of the conference „New Impetus for the European Integration of the Western Balkans“ being held today in Sarajevo, numerous European officials have arrived in BiH, writes the Bosnian news agency Patria.

On this occasion, former High Representative in BiH Wolfgang Petritsch also arrived in BiH, stating that the new EU approach to BiH is important, but that it will not work if there are no reform processes in BiH. He particularly emphasised the coordination mechanism and regional connectivity.

- There were elections. Now the government needs to be formed. As for the future, I hope there will be more dynamic relations with the EU. And this approach in Berlin is encouraging - said Petritsch.

He also stressed that from 1996 to 2006, the role of the international community was greater, but the global crisis led to a certain withdrawal.

- Compared to the first 10 years, in recent years it has withdrawn step by step. But the EU is giving a chance and it will correct that - said Petritsch.

Petritsch said that the Western Balkans is part of Europe and there is no doubt about that, but that it needs to be an active player.

- The new EU approach to BiH is a chance that must not be missed - said Petritsch, adding that it is wrong to make reforms for the EU, but rather this should be done for BiH.

He also commented on the citizens' protests in February, noting that politicians learned something then.

- I do not support violence, but the protests were justified. That should have been taken very seriously - said Petritsch.

Jan Kickert from the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria and Political Director of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said they are happy about the new EU approach, which shows that the EU keeps BiH on its agenda.

- It is a good moment to see how to connect these two processes: the path to the EU and the political processes in BiH. We have witnessed stagnation in BiH in recent years, and Austria is a great and proven friend of this region. Political actors should seize this opportunity and take concrete steps forward - said Kickert.

Austria will host next year's conference on the Western Balkans, which was held in Berlin at the end of August this year.

Commenting on the statement by Johannes Hahn, the new EU Enlargement Commissioner, who said there will be no EU enlargement in the next five years, he said that on the other hand, Federica Mogherini, the High Representative for Foreign Policy, emphasised that this region is a priority.

- That does not mean that preparations for EU accession should stop during these five years. And Commissioner Hahn is committed to the path of this region to the EU - said Kickert, writes the Patria agency.