Presentation of the Strategy for the Western Balkans, BiH candidate in 2019

STRASBOURG, (Patria) - The Strategy for the Western Balkans will be presented today in Strasbourg, which will define deadlines for countries aspiring to full membership in the European Union.

This is the first time that the European Commission is presenting a detailed plan and strategy of steps expected in the near future. According to the new plan, BiH should obtain candidate status in 2019, and start accession negotiations with the EU in 2023, provided that it actively implements reforms and works on the fight against corruption in the meantime.

What was conveyed from Brussels and European institutions is that they support the enlargement of the EU with the Western Balkan countries.

In the published documents, Serbia and Montenegro will be among the first to start negotiations. Montenegro has opened negotiations on 30 chapters, negotiations on three have been closed, while Serbia has opened negotiations on 12 chapters, of which two have been closed. The Strategy expects 2025 as the deadline for the conclusion of negotiations between Serbia and Montenegro and the EU.