Welcoming guests from the spheres of institutions, politics, civil society, the international community and media in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the official Europe Day reception at the EU House, Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special representative, said:
“Mr Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Your Excellencies, honoured guests, dear friends.
“Welcome to our reception to mark Europe Day, May 9th. I am very pleased that the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Mr Zvizdic, was able to join us tonight together with the Ambassadors of the 18 EU Member States resident in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“This year we mark two important anniversaries: 70 years since the end of World War Two and 65 years since the adoption of the Schuman Declaration and the beginning of the EU. The EU has come a long way since then we have expanded from six to 28 Member States, enabled free movement for our citizens, and secured economic progress. Most importantly, the EU is a peace project, ending centuries of hostilities among European nations. We are building peace, prosperity and cooperation among nations through an unprecedented level of regional integration.
“We want the same for Bosnia and Herzegovina. And we have stated our firm commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina becoming a Member of the EU.
“The recent EU initiative to re-energise your path to the EU demonstrates the strength of our resolve to encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to seek a credible membership of the European Union. All your political leaders and your parliament responded with a Written Commitment to work jointly towards EU membership.
“The EU’s decision to bring our Stabilisation and Association Agreement into force on 1 June takes the process one additional step forward as promised. And there are only 24 days to go!
“I very much hope that the activation of the full Stabilisation and Association Agreement will open a period of more progress here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, building a closer relationship with the EU in every respect. Economically and politically. In terms of culture and history, we are already very close so let us build a common future together.
“Much work lies ahead but all that work will be done in partnership with the EU standing right beside you, the authorities and the civil society. Thank you for being here this evening and I wish you a very pleasant time with colleagues and friends. “
