Zvizdić: Painful reforms await us on the path to the EU

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Zvizdić said today at a press conference on the occasion of the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) between BiH and the European Union, that political dialogue between the EU and BiH will be realised through the work of several new bodies, reports the Bosnian news agency Patria.

- First, the Stabilisation and Association Council will be formed, composed of representatives of the EU, the European Commission and the Council of Ministers of BiH. The Council will consider all important issues arising in the implementation of the Agreement, as well as other international and bilateral issues - said Zvizdić

The implementation period of the Agreement means carrying out key reforms in the areas of economy, rule of law and good governance, as well as issues of functionality, including an effective coordination mechanism on EU integration issues.

Zvizdić said that at tomorrow's session of the Council of Ministers of BiH, a Coordination Team will be formed, which, together with the Directorate for European Integration, will have a 30-day deadline to develop a coordination mechanism that will be acceptable and in accordance with the legal acquis and laws of all levels of government in BiH.

Zvizdić also said that reforms will be necessary and that they will be painful and difficult because they change existing patterns of behaviour.

The SAA will also help entrepreneurs who will be able to use EU funds to a greater extent.

Zvizdić said that our country can submit an application for EU membership by the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

Zvizdić announced that the reform economic agenda is in its final phase, in the drafting of which representatives of the entities, Brčko District, and international financial institutions led by the European Commission participated.

EU Special Representative in BiH Lars Gunnar Wigemark said that this is a historic moment in relations between the European Union and BiH.

- EU membership is not given as a gift. It is something you have to work on, and we are here to help you - said Wigemark, adding that all reforms require political will.

The SAA between BiH and the EU was signed in Luxembourg on 16 June 2008. The EU Council adopted the decision on the conclusion of the SAA with Bosnia and Herzegovina on 21 April.