Remarks by the High Representative and EU Special Representative for BiH, Christian Schwarz-Schilling at the press briefing with Adnan Terzic, Prime Minister of BiH

  12:45 Press Conference, Justus Lipsius Building , “Europa” Press Room

Thank you for coming here today. We have had useful discussions both yesterday and today.

Today, the PIC Steering Board was joined by leaders of all political parties represented in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina , as well as Prime Minister Adnan Terzic and his EU integration team.

More than two months after the 1 October elections, governments at the State and Federation level are yet to be formed and key reforms have been put on hold that must be enacted before a Stabilisation and Association Agreement can be signed with the European Union.

This blockage in the reform process is damaging the country’s prospects for stability and prosperity. It must be resolved in the coming weeks.

Today, every party leader had the opportunity to present to the PIC Steering Board his views on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to give his analysis of the prospects for coalition-building and government formation, as well as the broader Stabilisation and Association reform agenda.

Political Directors made it clear that they are ready to work with all parties that are resolved to complete the final stage of the SAA process and unblock the reform agenda.

They also expect rapid progress, particularly on police reform and the first package of constitutional reform.

Political Directors are also looking to the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to demonstrate that they are able to rise to the challenge of ownership and take responsibility for the future of their country.

I intend to provide you with more details of our discussions later this afternoon. In the meantime, I will hand over to Prime Minister Terzic.