Ambassador Wigemark meets with the three prime ministers, discusses the Reform Agenda

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark today met with Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH, Dr. Denis Zvizdic, FBiH Prime Minister Fadil Novalic and RS Prime Minister Zeljka Cvijanovic, and discussed implementation of the Reform Agenda for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ambassador Wigemark said: “All three governments have put a lot of work into compiling and harmonising their respective action plans and this is a very welcome expression of their commitment to reform and evidence of how they cooperate in the interests of all citizens in BiH.”

“We are seeing how both the BiH Council of Ministers as well as RS and FBiH are taking real steps to boost the economy. For the first time in many years, the country is also moving closer to the EU, as meaningful progress on the Reform Agenda is one of the main criteria for submitting an application for membership.”

“A lot of work still remains to be done, particularly in the area of rule of law. In terms of economic and social issues, the Reform Agenda sets a high benchmark. Each of the areas of the Reform Agenda is important and forms an overall package. We are talking about better control of public finances, strengthening the rule of law, reducing corruption and improving the efficiency of public administration, for all citizens to get better and more efficient services. All of these issues are linked and need to be tackled together.”

“The EU is not trying to centralise this country or change its constitution. We respect the competences of all levels of government. We simply appeal to your politicians to work together for the common good, and I think they are doing so. Moving closer to European standards of economy and good governance are in the interest of everyone. It is a win-win situation.”

It was agreed during the meeting that the first report on implementation of the Reform Agenda would be prepared and presented at a high-level meeting by the end of the year.

The meeting was also attended by a number of international and BiH officials, including representatives of the IMF, the World Bank, the EBRD, the IFC, the US Embassy and finance ministers.

Europa.ba