Head of OSCE Mission in BiH welcomes Bosnia and Herzegovina's candidate status granted by the European Union

(Patria) - In light of the European Union (EU) Council's statement granting Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate country status, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Brian Aggeler, issued the following statement:

“Granting Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status for membership in the European Union is a very welcome opportunity and an important milestone on the country's path to European integration. We congratulate the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina on this success.

This status, granted by the EU member states, can serve as a significant incentive for elected leaders to work concretely on much-needed, long-delayed, and urgent reforms.

These reforms include, but are not limited to, strengthening the rule of law and good governance, protecting fundamental rights, combating corruption and organized crime, and taking positive steps to build mutual trust, understanding, and respect among communities.

The elected leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina have a key opportunity to cooperate and create a prosperous, stable, and secure country. By working together, elected officials can lead all citizens towards a future with a better standard of living, which in turn reduces their exodus. Now is the time to fulfill the promises of a better future in the interest of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina stands ready to continue close cooperation with the authorities in BiH to support key reform processes in the country and assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in achieving its strategic goals, in line with the principles and commitments of OSCE participating States.”