The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Miroslav Lajčák, and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Olli Rehn, expressed disappointment that Bosnia and Herzegovina has still not met all requirements for signing a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union during a bilateral meeting in Brussels today.
The European Union expects the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to deliver on their commitments. Without an agreement on police reform in accordance with the EU’s three principles, the EU will be unable to conclude a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Olli Rehn reiterated his full support for the police reform proposal presented by the HR/EUSR to party
leaders at the end of August, stressing that it is fully in line with the three EU principles set out by the Commission. He strongly encouraged all political parties to continue to work constructively with the High Representative and EU Special Representative on the basis of his proposal and reach a comprehensive agreement without delay.
The High Representative and EU Special Representative expressed cautious optimism over the fact that party leaders have provided detailed comments on his recent police reform proposal and agreed to continue negotiations in view of reaching an agreement by the end of September. He warned that “unless party leaders show a greater responsibility towards BiH and a clear readiness for comprise on police reform, it will be impossible to reach an agreement in time for the Commission report.” Bosnia and Herzegovina could, as a result, fall far behind its neighbours in the EU integration process.
“The European Union is following the police reform negotiations very closely, and their outcome will be a clear indication of the political maturity of the country’s leaders and their readiness to lead Bosnia and Herzegovina towards the European Union”, Lajčák said.