The international community expects Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate reforms needed for EU integration in 2009, the High Representative and EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák told the Chair of the EP Delegation for relations with the countries of south-east Europe, Doris Pack, during a meeting in Sarajevo today.

Speaking of the political situation in the country, the Lajčák pointed out that the speed of reforms has been too slow in the past several months. This must change next year to prevent BiH falling further behind its neighbours in the Western Balkans in the EU integration process.

“Politicians and parliamentarians must focus all their energy on the EU agenda. However, this will only be possible if citizens become more vocal advocates of their rights, and ensure that politicians apply European principles and experiences in meeting their most pressing concerns, such as crime, corruption and rule of law,unemployment and better education standards”, Lajčák said.