The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday 23rd February, as the country prepares to take a step forward on its EU integration path.

Following the initiative of the EU to bring new momentum to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU integration, outlined in the Conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council held in December 2014, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency has agreed an irrevocable commitment to undertake reforms in the framework of the EU accession process. The commitment has been signed by all 14 political party leaders represented in the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it proceeds to the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday 23rd February.

During her visit, HR/VP Mogherini will meet the members of the BiH Presidency and the leadership of both houses of the state level Parliament. She will then, upon invitation of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, attend and address a joint session of both Houses of the Parliament. HR/VP Mogherini will also meet the Presidents of the entities, Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH, and the Chairman-designate of the BiH Council of Ministers and the two incoming entity Prime Ministers.

Commenting ahead of her visit, HR/VP Mogherini said: “Bosnia and Herzegovina – and above all its people – deserve to move closer to the European Union and get the benefits this process will bring. The EU-related reforms will help address the fragile socio-economic situation in the country and spur jobs and investment. Good progress has been made so far in developing the written commitment to the EU agenda. Endorsement by the Parliament would open the way for the EU to take a decision on putting the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between us and BiH into full force.”