“The EU expects BiH authorities and political leaders to agree a clear strategy for tackling EU-driven reform and make quick progress on the requirements arising from the Stabilisation and Association Agreement”, High Representative and EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák said after meeting Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn in Brussels today.
The meeting was an opportunity for an exchange of views on the current political situation in BiH, four weeks before the municipal elections scheduled for 5 October.
The European Union will assume a key role in assisting BiH in meeting SAA requirements and advancing further in the EU integration process. “Before this can happen, BiH must achieve progress on meeting the five objectives and two conditions for OHR transition, in particular with regards to the future status of Brcko and the issue of state property”, Lajčák said. “An acceptable and sustainable resolution of the question of state property must ensures that each level of government in BiH owns the assets necessary to fulfil their respective constitutional responsibilities.”
Another key issue that awaits BiH leaders, parties and parliamentarians is constitutional reform. “It is clear that BiH must begin the process of constitutional reform if it wants to integrate the European Union”, Lajčák said.