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Bosnia and Herzegovina

Summary: September 19, 2002: Bosnia and Herzegovina: first step in Stabilisation & Asssociation Process is "substantially completed" (Brussels)

In the light of progress to date, European Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten, announced to-day in Sarajevo, that the Commission now considers the Road Map for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) "substantially completed". The Road Map, which has been in operation since early 2000, is BiH's first step in the Stabilisation and Association Process leading towards deeper integration with the EU. Commissioner Patten and the members of the BiH Council of Ministers also discussed the next steps in the integration process. While BiH reforms proceed, the Commission will put to the Council of the European Union the case for starting in due course a "Feasibility Report" on opening negotiations for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Work on a Report could only begin once a new BiH Council of Ministers has been appointed following the 5 October elections, and once there is an effective BiH partner for the serious and comprehensive dialogue involved in drawing up such a report.

European Commissioner for External Relations, Christopher Patten today met the Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Dragan Mikerevic and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zlatko Lagumdzija. They reviewed the EU Road Map and BiH's progress towards a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union.

After the meeting, Commissioner Patten said: "BiH has made progress towards democracy, peace, economic reform and self-sustainability. However, much remains to be done and BiH must continue to intensify reform. The prospect of a Feasibility Report is a reason to step up efforts, not an excuse to relax. The European Union is committed to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina with reform. However, we expect a matching commitment from the new government at all levels. I hope too, that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina will turn out to vote on 5 October, and that they will use their democratic rights to choose a modern European future for BiH."

  • Ref: EC02-199EN
  • EU source: European Commission
  • UN forum: 
  • Date: 19/9/2002


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See also
 

European Union Member States