BiH leaders must end the “power games” that have prevented the formation of state and Federation governments, and adopt a more “mature and resolute” approach in order to return Bosnia and Herzegovina to the path of European integration, senior EU officials said in Sarajevo today.

High Representative and EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko, EU MP Doris Pack, Hungarian Deputy Head of Mission, Lajos Kohari, representing the EU Presidency, and Boris Iarochevitch, Chargé d’ Affaires at the EU Delegation, called on all party leaders to act constructively in response to the helping hand that is now being extended to Bosnia and Herzegovina by the European Union.

“Gridlock and intransigence have crippled the country since the start of the general election campaign last year,” the HR/EUSR said. “BiH politicians must focus on forming governments without further delay.” Doris Pack added that the need for efficient government in Bosnia and Herzegovina has never been greater. “Not only will re-launching the EU integration process bring the prospect of membership closer, it will deliver economic reforms that are desperately needed in order to reverse the economic decline of recent years,” she said.

Boris Iarochevitch stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not achieving the progress needed if it intends to submit a credible EU membership application. “Bosnia and Herzegovina can expect a committed and reliable partner in the EU, but BiH politicians must immediately undertake the reforms necessary to get the country back on its road to Europe — we want to see the European agenda at the heart of any coalition agreement and activity.”

Councellor Kohari insisted that “like all the other countries of the Western Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a clear EU perspective – but this will not be realised unless political leaders start taking positive steps.”