In the framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s association and stabilisation process with the European Union, the European Commission and Bosnia and Herzegovina hold the second Interim Committee meeting in Sarajevo.

The Interim Agreement governs trade and trade-related aspects of the EU integration process of the country. The assessment of political issues is also required. Both parties resumed the progress achieved during the last 12 months.

The Commission and Bosnia and Herzegovina agree that the implementation of the Agreement runs overall smoothly. Increasing trade between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina is of utmost importance in times of the economic and financial crisis.

The Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be changed in order to comply with the European Convention for Human Rights (ECHR).

The European Commission underlined that the country should strenghten its fiscal policy in line with the IMF Stand-by Agreement in order to achieve a best possible recovery from the economic crisis.

The timely preparation of the census 2011 is indespensable for any socio-economic planning of the country as it will be in the context of the EU accession negotiations. The Commission therefore urges the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt the Law on the Census without any further delay.

The preparation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the EU internal market is still at a very early stage. Coordination and harmonisation across the country is not ensured in a satisfactory manner. The fragmentation of legislation and its implementation makes the EU integration process very difficult. It is also detrimental to foreign investments and a friendly business environment.

There is no progress in the establishment of a State aid authority.

The Commission clarified that the import ban of used vehicles goes counter the Interim Agreement.

The Commission also emphasised the urgent need to designate an authority responsible for border crossing points, including infrastructure development and management. This is essential for an efficient border control and for trade development.

Both parties agreed to continue working on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU integration, not the least in order to overcome the current crisis.