The EU Special Representative - who is also the High Representative - Christian Schwarz-Schilling met with the Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and the Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn yesterday evening.

The EU Special Representative welcomed the start of the Stabilisation and Association negotiations with the EU, but emphasized that their success will depend on the willingness of the BiH authorities to implement the required reforms.

"I am very pleased to welcome President Barroso and Commissioner Rehn to Sarajevo. It is a clear signal that the future of this country lies with the European Union," he said.

"Today, I stand here first and foremost as Special Representative of the EU. I will work closely with the Commission in order to help Bosnia and Herzegovina make progress on its way to Europe," he added.

The EU Special Representative pointed out, however, that: "the job is now up to the parliaments and governments of this country. They must adopt and implement the reform measures that are necessary. For example, both entities must adopt the outstanding public broadcasting legislation. Police restructuring must be implemented, and the State Ombudsman Law must be passed."

The EU Special Representative expressed his hope that in the upcoming general elections scheduled for October this year, BiH’s voters will judge the political parties according to their ability to make progress towards Europe.