Head of the European Commission Delegation to BiH H.E. Ambassador Dimitris Kourkoulas and High Representative/European Union Special Representative to BiH, H.E. Ambassador Miroslav Lajcak handed over the document EU’s Policy in BiH: the way ahead to Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Dr. Nikola Špirić in Sarajevo today.

Ambassador Lajcak explained that Mr. Javier Solana, High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union and Mr. Olli Rehn EU Commissioner for Enlargement, prepared this Report after meeting of the EU Member States Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers that took place yesterday in Brussels. He informed that Ministers expressed their concern regarding pitfall in reform process, nationalistic rhetoric and unilateral activities that are taking BiH away from its EU path. Although Ministers commended the political agreement by the three main BiH political parties achieved on Saturday November 8, 2008, they were expecting to see its concretisation now. Ambassador Lajcak also informed that it was agreed that EUFOR should remain until political decision of its future transition was made. „European Union sent the message that it was willing to play its active role in BiH after closure of OHR and is not satisfied with the fact that political leaders in BiH are not doing what they were obliged to.“, concluded Ambassador Lajcak.

 „On behalf of the Council of Ministers I consider this document to be an invitation to BH authorities to undertake their responsibilities and reinforce their efforts in order to ensure the continuation of commenced reform process and to ensure the progress of BiH towards EU.“, said Chairmen Špirić.

Pointing out the necessity to create positive news from BiH, Chairman Špirić expressed belief that it was only possible through open dialogue and discussion about outstanding issues. „I ensure you that Council of Ministers of BiH will remain dedicated to the fulfilment of all of its duties and responsibilities in this regard.“, concluded Chairman Špirić.

The EU strategy

The international community’s (IC) and the EU’s objective in BiH remains to ensure a stable, peaceful and multiethnic country irreversibly on track to EU membership. A comprehensive EU approach including the Community and Common Foreign and Security Policy / European Security and Defence Policy (CFSP/ESDP) elements will be key to ensure stability in BiH and continued progress on key reforms. This approach is based on the following points, outlined in the paper:

• A reinforced EU engagement in BiH: EU integration represents a policy area that all BiH leaders agree on. This gives the EU unique leverage and responsibility.

• Planning for a reinforced EU presence: The mandate and the office of European Union Special Representative (EUSR) should be updated and reinforced to reflect the situation on the ground and the needs of transition. The EU should aim to be ready by mid 2009.

• A new UN Security Council Resolution: It will be needed eventually to end the OHR and HR’s mandate and deal with the issue of residual authorities deriving from Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement.

• Maintaining a strong IC engagement in support of BiH’s future: Broad IC involvement in BiH has proven important, and should continue also beyond the OHR.

• Active and comprehensive use of all the EU’s tools and mechanisms available: A comprehensive EU approach should mobilise all the possible EU instruments with consistency and determination. The European Partnership and the SAA implementation should be drivers of reform. The evolution of the ESDP operations should take political developments into account.

• Clarity on the EU’s position on constitutional evolution: Constitutional reform is neither a requirement for OHR closure nor for BiH’s further journey towards the EU. Nevertheless, the constitutional framework must evolve to ensure effective state structures capable of delivering on EU integration, including the requirement to speak with one voice. The EU can support constitutional reform with expertise and funds, but the process must be led by BiH itself.