Political turmoil hinders BiH progress, urgent reforms needed

Political turmoil most hindered progress in reforms in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014, said European Parliament deputies in two separate resolutions, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

- Both countries need to strengthen their democratic processes, fight against corruption, and establish a professional and depoliticized public administration. Cooperation is needed to achieve these goals.

Regarding BiH, deputies agreed that political elites must show unambiguous commitment and engagement in continuing the reform process and approaching the EU.

One of the parliamentarians, Cristian Dan Preda, who is the rapporteur for BiH, stated that the political stalemate is excessively complex and ineffective, and that the lack of cooperation between political leaders seriously hinders the country's stability and development.

- We all advocate for putting BiH on the path to EU membership. However, for this to happen, the authorities will have to show courage in implementing reforms - he added.

EP deputies welcomed the adoption of the statement by the BiH Presidency as well as political leaders.

Members of the European Parliament are concerned about the recent statement at the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) congress calling for a referendum on independence for Republika Srpska in 2018, which contradicts the territorial integrity of BiH.

Special attention should be paid to the implementation of the Sejdić-Finci ruling, and the entry into force of the SAA from June 1, 2015, was also welcomed.