The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, together with the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, visited BiH today where they met with leaders of BiH institutions, leaders of political parties and members of the civil society to discuss reforms and the EU integration process of the country. On this occasion, they reiterated the EU’s full support and dedication to the country’s integration process.

HR/VP Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn started their first official visit to BiH in their new mandates by hosting a meeting in the EU House with members of various civil society sectors – entrepreneurs, media, youth, women, LGBTI persons, unemployed persons, trades unions – where they exchanged views on the current socio-economic situation in the country. The two officials were particularly interested in their counterparts’ feedback on the Compact for Growth and Jobs in BiH – a practical agenda outlining the necessary economic reform measures to be implemented in order to revive the country’s economic development and the EU integration process.

HR/VP Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn were then hosted by the BiH Presidency Members, Mladen Ivanic, Bakir Izetbegovic and Dragan Covic, the BiH Council of Ministers Chairman, Vjekoslav Bevanda, and the BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zlatko Lagumdžija, in three separate meetings. They also discussed the topics of the day in a meeting with representatives of political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

HR/VP Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn concluded their visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina with a press conference in the EU House in Sarajevo.

Speaking to media, HR/VP Mogherini said:

“We know that this is not going to be just about signing something. It is about starting a process of delivering to the people, and I think, we think, it is a good opportunity for the country, for the institutions, for the political leadership of this country to move forward. We have an opportunity to close with the divisions or the problems of the past and have a fresh look at the way in which Bosnia and Herzegovina can fulfil its being part of the EU family. We always say that all countries of the Western Balkans have a future in the EU and we have to make it real now, together, with the sense of ownership, here in Sarajevo and all parts of the country and with a sense of responsibility and being ready to cooperate from the European Union side.”

Commissioner Hahn said:

“But it is not only that we are here once and then never. We will be here, I can’t promise always together, but I think I can promise that both of us will be here again and again to monitor to accompany this process. Because I have to be frank: it’s not to agree about headlines and principles. It’s about very concrete results, tangible results implementation. This is what Bosnia and Herzegovina’s people would like to see.”

Read the press conference full transcript here: http://archive.europa.ba/News.aspx?newsid=7544&lang=EN

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