During the plenary session in Strasbourg, MEPs assess the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Opening statements by Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur and by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

2021 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina: opening statements by Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur and by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

SOUNDBITE (English), Michael GAHLER (EPP,DE), Rapporteur Mr President. Bosnian Herzegovina is at a crossroads in its European path. After a year of political deadlocks and secessionist movements, the political agreement reached in Brussels on 12th of June and the most recent council conclusions are strong signs of the EU's EU's commitment to the European and Euro Atlantic future of the country. The European Council has declared its readiness to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a crucial moment for the country, for the Western Balkans and for Europe. While these are welcome developments, we must not forget the challenges ahead.

SOUNDBITE (English), Michael GAHLER (EPP,DE), Rapporteur The country still needs to implement a number of reforms and fulfil several necessary criteria, the council has said so by inviting the commission to report immediately on the implementation of the fourteen key priorities, strengthening the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law and the fight against organised crime and corruption will be central to this positive assessment of the two main challenges that Bosnia Herzegovina currently faces are not technical but political. The secessionist movements orchestrated by the leadership of the Republika Srpska and the impasse in negotiations on electoral and constitutional reforms, which will bring Bosnia-Herzegovina in line with European norms.

SOUNDBITE (English), Michael GAHLER (EPP,DE), Rapporteur These two challenges have caused an almost permanent bloc of state institutions that required the intervention of the High Representative and the reinforcement of Operation EUFOR althaea solving these blockages and bringing functionality back to the state is of paramount importance. Therefore, the council must follow the example set by the US and the UK and sanction Milorad Dodik, someone who only days after committing himself to reforms in Brussels, flew to St. Petersburg to meet Vladimir Putin and continues to refuse to condemn the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The Kremlin's assets around Europe and the world are being sanctioned. Mr Dodig must be as well. The withdrawal from state institutions and the creation of parallel ones are a violation of the Constitution and the Dayton Peace Agreement and inevitably prevent any advance towards EU integration. That is also why we must support the Office of the High Representative and Operation LTA, which are vital to maintain the peace and stability of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The amendments must be renewed and if they are not, other me...

SOUNDBITE (English), Michael GAHLER (EPP,DE), Rapporteur The European Union's funding must also be modulated in light of these threats. The electoral and constitutional reforms have also not yet been realised, despite significant mediation by the EU and the US, there was a lack of political will to overcome differences and reach a balanced agreement. That is why we welcome the political agreement reached in Brussels, which will allow the country to progress decisively on its European path. The legacy of the Dayton Peace Agreement must be preserved, but the country must also implement repeated rulings by national and international courts and bodies to guarantee equality and non-discrimination. Most importantly, we must acknowledge the long standing European aspirations of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs, Jews, Roma and all of the citizens who will benefit immensely with these key reforms. It is the legitimate choices and aspirations that need to be respected. And that ...

SOUNDBITE (English), Michael GAHLER (EPP,DE), Rapporteur Funds have now been secured and we call on all political actors to take part and allow the citizens to express their democratic choices. And so, despite these challenges, we should appreciate the renewed European focus on the Western Balkans and understand its unmistakeable importance in Europe's new strategic and security context. The peace, stability and prosperity of Bosnia-Herzegovina depend on our support and on the country's European perspective. Thank you very much.

SOUNDBITE (English) Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management Honourable members. First, let me thank the Rapporteur Rangel for his work and honourable gala for his presentation. The European Council on 23 June has been very clear. EU leaders are ready to grant the status of candidate country to Bosnia and Herzegovina if the country meets the substantial set of reforms that are necessary. Now, Bosnia and Herzegovina has to deliver. We expect to see tangible reforms in view of fulfilling the 14 key priorities from the commission's opinion. These key priorities, as we know, cover reforms in the areas of democracy and functionality. The rule of law, fundamental rights and public administration reform. The commission stands ready to report, as requested by the European Council, on the implementation of the opinions key priorities. Let there be no doubt Bosnia and Herzegovina has a clear European perspective.

SOUNDBITE (English) Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management As a single, united and sovereign country, the full functioning of state institutions is key for its EU path. Following Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina has confirmed its European commitment by aligning with EU statements and sanctions on Russia and Belarus. And the commission welcomes this. However, this year was one more last year. Instead of concrete progress, we have seen growing political divisions throughout the country, which are affecting also the everyday life of people and businesses. We need constructive dialogue and political will from all sides to move forward on the EU path. Both in Herzegovina's institutions have remained blocked for too long.

SOUNDBITE (English) Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management The continued boycott has jeopardised significant investments, including investments coming from the economic and investment plan. for the Western Balkans. I expect the representatives of Republika Srpska to put an end to political crisis and to ensure the full functioning of state institutions. Only then will the Commission sign the contribution agreements for a corridor, five road and rail investments located in the Republika Srpska entity. In the past few months, we have seen many reforms stalled or voted down in Parliament. This was the case of the amendments aimed at improving electoral standards, those aimed at enhancing integrity in the judiciary and of the draught law on conflict of interest. Also, a lot of hope and efforts have been put in the talks on the electoral and constitutional reform. But solution solution could not be found now. Fair, free and inclusive elections must take place in October as scheduled only by concretely delivering on reforms. Bosnia and Herzegovina will demonstrate that it deserves ca...

SOUNDBITE (English) Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management Bosnia and Herzegovina is key for the future of the Western Balkans. The region's future is in the European Union instead of infighting. The country should focus on the positive and constructive European agenda. This is the agenda with real gains and real benefits for everyone. It is the agenda that brings prosperity, stability and peace. And it is the agenda on which we need to work together. The commission stands ready to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in this endeavour with all its instruments. I thank you for your attention and I am looking forward to our discussion. Thank you.

2021 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina: opening statements by Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE), Rapporteur and by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

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