EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko warmly welcomed the start of the Structured Dialogue on Justice between BiH and the EU, opened yesterday by European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, Stefan Füle. Under the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, the dialogue is designed to make the judicial system in BiH compatible with European standards.

“This process launched in BiH is one that every country now aspiring to EU membership must undergo”, EUSR Inzko said. The opening of this process, paved by the recent visit of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, should strengthen an independent and effective judiciary, allowing judicial institutions at all levels, including the Court of BiH and Prosecutor’s Office to better exercise their respective competencies.

“This direct contact with representatives of the BiH state and its Entities demonstrates the EU’s readiness and determination to help BiH on its way to EU integration,” said EUSR Inzko.