Ursula von der Leyen: BiH's future is in the EU as a single, united, and sovereign country

(Patria) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a meeting with the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of BiH, Borjana Krišto. At the press conference, Krišto stated that this is a significant visit and that it was an opportunity to present the new growth plan for this region.

“We should all seize the opportunity to make significant progress based on this growth plan, by ensuring the best possible living conditions for our citizens, from infrastructure, roads, energy, to the free movement of goods and services. The EU has decided on 6 billion euros for the Western Balkans region, of which two billion are grants. We express our commitment to fundamental reforms,” said Krišto.

She emphasized that BiH has aligned its positions with EU policy.

“We are aware that we are facing the progress report. I am convinced that everything will be done to recognize our efforts and that we will be encouraged by the opening of the negotiation process. In the context of geopolitical developments, this would contribute to BiH being a secure, stable, and prosperous country, rather than dealing with divisions and the past. Opening negotiations would be an additional moment for the progress that we all need. Everything that happens in the region is also reflected in the relations within the EU itself. I will do everything to work on fulfilling our conditions. Progress and advancement in BiH depend on dialogue, respect for the constitutional structure, and constitutional competencies. We must fulfill the obligations related to the Berlin Process; we still have one agreement on the free movement of people to be able to use these funds,” said Krišto.

Ursula von der Leyen said that BiH should be a member of the EU.

“My first message is essentially to re-emphasize that BiH's future is in the EU. I stress how strong our support is for your European path,” said Von der Leyen.

Our cooperation so far has been good, and thank you for that. As you know, to achieve this goal, BiH needs to act as one, to speak with one voice, united. You spoke about respecting the constitutional order and fundamental freedoms. The future of this country is in the EU, as a single, united, sovereign country. My second message is that we must work on bringing our economies closer.

One example is the projects on Corridor 5c. Your economy is at about 35 percent of the European average, with a lot of untapped potential. If we succeed with the growth plan, we have the opportunity to double your economic growth. We truly want BiH on the European path,” said Von der Leyen.

She stressed that resolving all 14 priorities, especially in the area of the rule of law, namely the law on courts and conflict of interest, is particularly important.

“This is a confirmation of your ability to strengthen the rule of law and functionality,” she said.

Krišto stated that they are close to an agreement on reform laws and the agreement with FRONTEX.

“Reform laws are important for fulfilling the conditions set by the European Commission. The decision on FRONTEX, the law on preventing money laundering, and the law on conflict of interest are almost completed. I do not want to comment on whether it will be by December 15th; our obligation is to work on reforms,” she said.

When asked how much funding BiH can count on, Von der Leyen said that the amounts are not fixed for countries.

“The condition is reforms. It is clear to us that reforms take time, but if nothing is done, the funds will be transferred to other countries that are working,” she said.

When asked if BiH can expect the start of negotiations with the foreign factor in the country and with foreigners in the Constitutional Court, Von der Leyen directed her answer only towards the OHR.

“Regarding the High Representative, the existence of the OHR depends on the progress you are making. It is in your interest to become a member,” said the head of the European Commission.