Debate: Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina
Date: TUESDAY, 5 JULY 2022
Speaker: Janez Lenarčič
Language: EN

The European Council on 23 June has been very clear. EU leaders are ready to grant the status of candidate country to Bosnia and Herzegovina if the country meets the substantial set of reforms that are necessary. Now Bosnia and Herzegovina has to deliver. We expect to see tangible reforms in view of fulfilling the 14 key priorities from the Commission’s opinion. These key priorities, as we know, cover reforms in the areas of democracy and functionality, the rule of law, fundamental rights and public administration reform.  The Commission stands ready to report, as requested by the European Council, on the implementation of the opinion’s key priorities. Let there be no doubt that  Bosnia and Herzegovina has a clear European perspective as a single, united and sovereign country. The full functioning of state institutions is key for its EU path. Following Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina has confirmed its European commitment by aligning with EU statements and sanctions on Russia and Belarus. The Commission welcomes this.  However, this year was one more lost year. Instead of concrete progress, we have seen growing political divisions throughout the country, which are affecting also the everyday life of people and businesses. We need constructive dialogue and political will from all sides to move forward on the EU path.  Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutions have remained blocked for too long. The continued boycott has jeopardised significant investments, including investments coming from the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. I expect the representatives of Republika Srpska to put an end to the political crisis and to ensure the full functioning of the state institutions. Only then will the Commission sign the contribution agreements for the Corridor Vc road and rail investments located in the Republika Srpska entity.  In the past few months we have seen many reforms stalled or voted down in the parliament. This was the case of the amendments aimed at improving electoral standards, those aimed at enhancing integrity in the judiciary and of the draft law on conflict of interest. Also, a lot of hope and efforts have been put into the talks on the electoral and constitutional reform, but a solution could not be found. Now fair, free and inclusive elections must take place in October as scheduled. Only by concretely delivering on reforms will Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrate that it deserves candidate status.  Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to move forward on all key priorities. Bosnia and Herzegovina is key for the future of the Western Balkans. The region’s future is in the European Union. Instead of in—fighting, the country should focus on the positive and constructive European agenda. This is the agenda with real gains and real benefits for everyone. It is the agenda that brings prosperity, stability and peace, and it is the agenda on which we need to work together.  The Commission stands ready to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in this endeavour with all its instruments. I thank you for your attention and I am looking forward to our discussion.