Head of the European Union Delegation to Bosna and Herzegovina and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, officially handed over the 2015 European Commission Country Report to the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Denis Zvizdić, on 10 November 2015.
The report maintains the Commission’s approach of addressing fundamentals first, which prioritises reforms related to the fundamental issues of rule of law, economic governance and competitiveness, and public administration reform.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has shown that it is back on the track of EU integration and socio-economic reforms that are essential for the country. This year’s Country Report indicates exactly that,” said Ambassador Wigemark, highlighting the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, the adoption of the comprehensive Reform Agenda and the start of its implementation.
Ambassador Wigemark underlined that several important steps have been taken, such as the adoption of the anti-corruption strategy, a comprehensive justice sector reform strategy and transport policy. He also noted that many of the measures outlined in the Report for the coming 12 months are part of the Reform Agenda, and their implementation will be essential for BiH’s progress towards the EU. Improved coordination procedures will be necessary for BiH to be able to better interact with the EU and implement the needed reforms.
Ambassador Wigemark praised the work carried out to date by the authorities at all levels, particularly on the socio-economic matters, and their commitment to implementation of the Reform Agenda. He also underlined the need for further progress in public administration reform, rule of law and fight against corruption, as well as publication of the 2013 census results.
Ambassador Wigemark also presented the Country Report to the Presidency of BiH and the leadership of the two Houses of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH.
