Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) Leaders of political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina signed an agreement committing to EU integration in the presence of EU officials.
EU Council President Charles Michel and Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, held the meeting with BiH officials in Brussels on Sunday, the Council noted in a statement.
BiH leaders agreed to preserve peace and stability in the country, uphold the rule of law and democratic principles as well as work towards EU membership.
In order to achieve this, they agree that authorities in BiH have to strengthen dialogue and trust, and work towards mutual respect.
BiH leaders pledged to implement reforms needed to protect democratic functioning, security and prosperity of the country.
They agreed to work together in good faith with the aim of complying with EU standards and to organise the 2022 elections “in an orderly manner,” pledging not to use hateful and divisive rhetoric.
BiH to follow EC’s instructions
The Council pointed out that BiH leaders agreed to fulfil the EC’s 14 priorities to continue on the path towards EU membership, which include judicial and electoral reforms.
In order to implement needed reforms, they agreed to “ensure fully functioning institutions at BiH level and ensure that decisions in line with BiH level competences are taken at that level, and to undertake constructive dialogue following the elections on fundamental issues concerning the functioning of the country,” the Council noted.
BiH leaders also agreed to step up the fight against corruption and organised crime, which includes making sure that judiciary and law enforcement operate independently and can launch investigations against individuals at all levels.
They agreed to “pursue BiH’s alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy including implementation and cooperation in the areas covered by the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU, in accordance with Article 10 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.”
The Council stressed that the leaders also pledged to take steps aimed at promoting an environment where reconciliation is possible to overcome the legacies of war.
The body concluded that BiH leaders “welcome the EU’s active support and dialogue-facilitation, confidence- and trust-building towards completion of the actions above.”
