EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Valentin Inzko met today with the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy in Sarajevo as part of  the President’s tour of the Western Balkans.

They discussed the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the wake of the 3 October general elections. “The region is moving towards the EU and it is important that Bosnia and Herzegovina catches up,” EUSR Valentin Inzko said after the meeting. The elections offer newly elected political leaders a new start, they must avoid unnecessary delays in forming new Governments.”

The EUSR underlined that BiH is ready for visa liberalization: “BiH’s authorities have taken all the steps needed, and granting a liberalized visa regime will encourage Bosnia on its road to the EU. For citizens visa liberalisation is a clear signal that the EU takes BiH’s European destiny seriously“ he said.

The EUSR stressed the increasingly important role played by the European Union in stabilizing and advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Bosnia and Herzegovina will soon share a 1,000 kilometer long border with the EU; seeing this country firmly on the road to EU membership is the best way to ensure its long term stability and prosperity,” he said.

Political leaders must not delay the European reform agenda further; for the period ahead the most pressing issue is constitutional reform. “The country’s leaders are responsible for finding agreement and making progress,” said the EUSR, “the European Union stands ready to support them.”