Wigermark: BiH must not lose focus, continue with reforms that improve the economy

Following today's positive decision by the General Affairs Council to ask the European Commission to provide an opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for EU membership, the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, said that BiH has made progress in its efforts to move closer to the European Union, reports Patria News Agency.

- Today's Council decision marks a major milestone for the European integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It follows the hard work of the country's leadership at all levels, which has shown its commitment to reforms. Most importantly, today's decision is a response to the citizens' demands for change and closer ties with the European Union.

This decision marks the beginning of a process in which BiH is striving to catch up with its neighbours in the region that are already candidates for EU membership. The European Commission will now begin to thoroughly assess the current situation in various areas and sectors in BiH. This will lead to the drafting of an opinion on BiH's readiness to move forward in the accession process towards candidate status, and potentially open accession negotiations. It is too early to speculate on how long this will take.

In the meantime, BiH must not lose focus. Reforms that improve economic growth and social justice, the rule of law, and public administration should continue, and leaders and authorities in BiH should address them constructively and through dialogue.

The reform agenda promises much, and the momentum achieved should be maintained. The pace and effectiveness of reforms for progress within the EU integration process will ultimately determine the accession process. Effective coordination and cooperation between competent authorities at all levels will be increasingly necessary to ensure progress in the process. Only through joint efforts, including dialogue, can the country advance on its path to the European Union.

The EU is ready to help BiH, with the firm conviction that our common journey will bring real improvements to the lives of the citizens of this country - it was stated.