The EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Catherine Ashton, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 12.
The aim of her visit was to meet with institutions and NGO representatives to discuss the current situation in the country.

Speaking to the press after her meetings, the High Representative/Vice President stressed that the message of the protesters in BiH had been heard loud and clear in EU countries. “People have been very clear in expressing their ambitions and concerns. They want employment opportunities and a growing economy, they want social welfare which works, the rule of law and an efficient justice system,” she said.

She emphasised that key to achieving these goals lay in the hands of BiH political leaders who have to step beyond ethnic and partisan divisions and start working on satisfying public demands. “I strongly believe that the leaders need to focus on reforming the economy, the social welfare system and promoting trade; strengthening the rule of law; and protecting human rights” Ashton said.

She added: “The first and biggest responsibility lies in political leadership, but, like anywhere else in the world, success begins at home.” .

HR/VP Ashton underlined that the conditions set by the EU for Bosnia and Herzegovina to progress towards membership would not change: “This is not about lowering the bar, it’s about helping you get over it.” She noted that at upcoming meetings of EU foreign ministers the EU would be looking to see how it could best help Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The EU High Representative Ashton also visited Sarajevo City Hall to learn more about the latest phase in the EU funded construction work on City Hall.

The full press remarks given by the EU High Representative Ashton at the end of the visit can be seen at:
http://archive.europa.ba/News.aspx?newsid=6162&lang=EN