Zvizdić and Inzko: Priorities of EU Integration, Economy and Security

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Zvizdić spoke today in Sarajevo with High Representative Valentin Inzko and his deputy David Robinson about the priorities of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, reports the Patria news agency.

High Representative Inzko congratulated Chairman Zvizdić on his new position and noted that the formation of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina has created a positive atmosphere in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Chairman Zvizdić said that the Council of Ministers is focused on accelerating Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path, economic reforms, and strengthening the internal and external security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He added that these priorities are compatible and interconnected because European integration itself implies structural reforms concerning the alignment of the legal system, administrative procedures, and market functioning with those in the EU, with the consequence of facilitating business operations for economic entities. He expressed satisfaction with the activation of the SAA for Bosnia and Herzegovina and emphasized that with this move, Europe is sending a positive message and opening a new chapter for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Chairman Zvizdić stressed that the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina will pay special attention to the recommendations from the latest Progress Report and, through its work, demonstrate that it is a credible EU partner. He added that the goal is to accelerate the implementation of the SAA and obtain candidate status by 2018.

Deputy High Representative Robinson said that the fact that the Council of Ministers is focused on the economy is encouraging because it puts citizens' interests first and that this is exactly what Bosnia and Herzegovina needs.

Chairman Zvizdić said that work will also be done on strengthening law enforcement agencies and fighting corruption, and expressed hope that NATO members will appreciate the positive developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina and open the door to the MAP for Bosnia and Herzegovina by the end of the year, which would be a step forward in strengthening internal and external security and an indicator of our country's stability for potential foreign investors, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced.