“By completing the ratification process, Bosnia and Herzegovina is, for the first time, in a formal and legally binding contractual relationship with the European Union. This sends a signal that the country wants to make progress and is open for business. However, ratification is the first step in a demanding process, and only a full implementation of the Agreement will bring real and long-term benefits,” Lajčák said.
“There is no more time to waste. BiH leaders and parliamentarians now need to translate their verbal commitment to the EU into concrete actions – by agreeing and implementing the required reforms. The European Commission’s Progress Report sets out the political and legislative agenda for the coming months. The negative rhetoric of the past years must stop and be replaced by a spirit a compromise; otherwise Bosnia and Herzegovina runs the danger of lagging behind its neighbours on the road to the European Union”, the HR/EUSR concluded.
