Plenković in London also on Electoral Law: BiH is very close to starting EU accession talks

(Patria) - The Berlin Process summit concluded in London. Leaders of six Western Balkan countries and European partners, including Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, participated.

- The European Union is more open to enlargement today than in previous years due to new security challenges - said Plenković.

He stated that candidate countries need to fulfill all reforms and adopt the EU acquis communautaire.

- BiH is very close to starting accession talks with the EU - added Plenković.

He assessed that "there are still a couple of minor details, but I think we are very close to that moment".

- The appointment of a chief negotiator and their potential deputies is expected, considering BiH's structure, and after that, reforms should be tackled.

Croatia is the most engaged in supporting this, and I believe it will happen very soon - stated Plenković, answering a question about when BiH could open negotiations, which the European Council conditionally approved in March last year.

He also said that this topic, if there is an opportunity, will be discussed at the European Council meeting on Thursday in Brussels, but certainly at the meeting of that body in December, before which a new EU-Western Balkans summit is planned.

- It is particularly important for BiH to try to resolve the issue of a fair Electoral Law before the elections, which are in about a year, so that everyone is satisfied and represented - added Plenković.

He also said that he opposes the idea that new EU member states would not have full decision-making rights initially.

He believes that such an approach would be unfair and humiliating - "as if you are invited to a reception, but you stand outside while others are inside".

Plenković added that membership without full rights is unacceptable because a country is respected only when it has equal rights as other members.