Schmidt from Bled: It is not good for some people to approach European integration only tactically

(Patria) - High Representative Christian Schmidt addressed the public in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Bled Strategic Forum, which is being held today and tomorrow in Bled, Slovenia.

- Today and tomorrow we are meeting in Bled, a beautiful Slovenian lake, to sit down and talk about European integration, especially about the Western Balkans, and I must say that I feel a certain optimism.

It is clear that there is commitment from the candidate countries for membership. They have an opportunity and should seize that opportunity, so it is clear that there is a need for both member states and those who wish to become member states to show commitment to European integration.

This is the only way for Bosnia and Herzegovina as well, so it is not good if we see that some people approach European integration only tactically. No, no!

It is about the future of the young generation of this country, and that is why I see that we must work and hope for sufficient commitment from the institutions in BiH, and in the entities, including RS, which should say that, despite everything, they want to move towards European integration.

And this can be done, but it requires clear commitment. Unfortunately, these days the discussions are not going directly in this direction.

So, I am optimistic that we can establish the rule of law, and by accepting European rules, it becomes clear that the path for the young generation in BiH to Europe is open.

Bosnians and Herzegovinians of all nationalities are committed to European integration, they are Europeans and therefore belong to Europe - Schmidt said.