Statement by the High Representative on the Forthcoming Meeting of the Constitutional Legal Committee of the House of Representatives

“We reach a crucial phase in the Parliamentary process on Tuesday with the Constitutional Legal Committee of the House of Representatives’ meeting. I believe this is such an important issue that the full plenary of the House of Representatives should have the opportunity for a full and frank debate. Given the timelines related to the election deadlines, this has to happen without delay.

The democratically elected representatives of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve the chance to discuss these significant amendments which could mark a historic moment in the country’s development towards being a fully independent, sovereign state, ready to progress towards EU integration.

These amendments offer  Bosnia and Herzegovina a unique opportunity to initiate a process that will strengthen governance in this country.  The proposed changes are an important step towards streamlining the State structures, which will help equip BiH better for EU integration. These proposals are the result of many months of negotiations, and they deserve the widest consideration possible.

Of course, these amendments are only the first step in a longer process. Discussions on constitutional reform will continue after the October elections. I am committed to assume an active role in this second phase of constitutional reform, but a second phase can only be built on the basis of a successful first phase”, said the High Representative.