The goal of Hungary during its EU Presidency in the next six months is to continue the enlargement process, and to keep the doors open for the Western Balkans countries, said Hungarian Ambassador to BiH Laszlo Toth at the press conference in the EU Delegation in Sarajevo.

“This is a historic moment for my country, that six years after EU we become country which chairs the EU. This road was difficultand many have given their lives for the ideals of freedom”, said Ambassador Toth and recalled the year 1956 when his people stood up to fight for freedom against the Soviet system.

He stressed that Hungary will do everything to help the Western Balkans countries to become a part of the Euro-Atlantic integrations. However, he warned that the membership to the EU is not given as a gift, and that his country also had to fulfill a number of conditions: to reform army and local self government, to create a new modern and democratic society, to liberalize economy…”

“As long as your laws are discriminating, nobody should expect you to join the EU” said Ambassador Toth and added that a united Bosnia and Herzegovina is important to Hungary.

“Only united Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a member of the NATO and the EU”, said Toth adding that he will work jointly and closely with the EU Delegation to BiH in finding a solutions.

Among the priorities of the EU Presidency, Toth listed strenghtening of the EU economy and job creation, discussion about draft budget which wouldn’t commence with numbers, but with goals, fighting against child poverty, environmental protection…

Johann Hesse, Charge d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to BiH also addressed media, and said that Hungary was the first country from the former communist block which joined the EU.

”Many changes have taken place in the overall EU political life after the Lisbon Treaty entered into force. European Union has a permanent President of the European Council, Mr (Herman) van Rompuy and some of you here today have met him last October in Sarajevo. We also have a new EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Lady (Catherine) Ashton, who has repeatedly shown a great interest for the closer EU and BiH relations”, said Hesse.

Hungary is an important country for BiH because of its proximity as well. „It is close to the region, and it is close to Bosnia and Herzegovina geographically, and of course, Hungary also has an important part in the history of this country. We assume and we know that Hungary has a very good knowledge and a very good understanding of the issues in this region. That is why I’m sure that Hungary will understand the situation and will comprehend the issues and will contribute to the solution. That is why I used this Rubic’s cube example, because I expect Hungary to make a solid contribution to resolve the puzzle in BiH“, said Hesse.

He pointed out that it is important for BiH to have functional institutions and to form the authorities as soon as possible. On a question about possible sanction of those obstructing the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina on its way to the EU, Hesse said: „The question of punishment was raised many times. But I have to be very honest: at this point of time, we don’t talk about sanctions, and we don’t talk about punishments. We insist, we recommend, and we want the priority issues to be resolved. There is no choice, they need to be resolved.“