The High Representative and EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák held a series of meetings with top Croatian officials – President Stjepan Mesić, Prime Minister Ivo Sander and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Gordan Jandroković – in Zagreb today.

During the meetings, the HR/EUSR Miroslav Lajčák informed Croatian officials of the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and BiH’s progress towards meeting the requirements set out the Stabilization and Association Agreement, specifically the conditions defined by the short-term priority list that will be used by the European Commission as a benchmark for measuring BiH’s overall progress towards the EU membership.

Given that Croatia represents a positive example n the region when it comes to the European integration process there was an exchange of ideas on the advantages of Croatia’s experience and the possibility of applying Croatia’s experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The High Representative and EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák, also informed Croatian officials on BiH’s progress towards meeting the five objectives and two conditions defined by the Peace Implementation Council for the OHR’s transition to an EUSR.

The High Representative and EU Special Representative underlined that BiH has made good progress in meeting these objectives and conditions but has to make additional efforts to identify solutions for two crucial issues; a resolution to the status of the Brčko District, and regulating State property. By signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement Bosnia and Herzegovina has met one of two conditions for transition. Meeting the second condition, a positive assessment of the situation in BiH, by the Peace Implementation Council based upon the full adherence to the Dayton Peace Agreement, will require a much more positive approach from BiH’s politicians.