SORENSEN WELCOMES BEVANDA’S FOCUS ON EU INTEGRATION

The decision of the designated Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vjekoslav Bevanda, to set EU integration as a top priority was welcomed today by Head of the Delegation of the European Union/EU Special Representative Ambassador Peter Sorensen.

At a meeting in Sarajevo, Ambassador Sorensen and Mr Bevanda discussed how to tackle the challenges ahead for the country’s EU integration. Ambassador Sorensen also underlined the clear commitment of the 27 Member States of the Union to the membership perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Head of the Delegation of the European Union/EU Special Representative Ambassador Peter Sorensen said:

“We want Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the EU. I believe that the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina want that too. They know that more trade, more action on the economy and higher standards in society and industry can lead to improved quality of life for all – and in particular can create the conditions for more jobs. I am therefore very encouraged that Mr Bevanda has put EU integration as a top item on his agenda.

“There are well known matters for urgent action: credible efforts are needed on the implementation of the Sejdic-Finci ruling and the state aid law needs to be adopted. The adoption of the census is important for the socio-economic prospects of the country. There also needs to be more effective co-ordination between the State and the Entities on EU matters, so the country can speak with one voice with the EU. Addressing these issues will facilitate the entry into force of our ‘contract’ with the country – the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. I now look forward to a Council of Ministers being in place as soon as possible so that this work can move ahead.”

Europa.ba