2024-03-21 20:18:55
The EU heads of government have officially decided to start accession talks with Bosnia-Herzegovina. “Your place is in the European family,” writes EU Council President Charles Michel.
On Thursday in Brussels, the EU heads of state and government officially decided to start accession talks with Bosnia-Herzegovina. EU Council President Charles Michel announced this on the online platform X (formerly: Twitter). “Your place is in the European family,” wrote Michel. Austria immediately congratulated and assured further support.
“Hard work must now continue”
“Today’s decision is a significant step on your path to the EU. Now the hard work must continue so that Bosnia-Herzegovina can continue to progress as your people want,” continued Michel.
The EU Commission will be asked by the summit to present a negotiating framework. This might be decided by the Council as soon as Bosnia has completed all the reform steps required by the EU Commission. Unanimity in the EU Council is once more required for the decision.
Austria, represented in Brussels by Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), is one of the strongest supporters of faster EU integration for Bosnia. However, some EU states had previously expressed concerns because the country had not yet implemented all of the required reforms.
Edtstadler: “You are part of the European family”
From Austria, European Minister Karoline Edtstadler and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (both ÖVP) immediately congratulated. “You are part of the European family, the EU is not complete without the Western Balkans. It is now important to stay the course and continue the ambitious reform course. You can count on Austria’s continued support!” tweeted Edtstadler.
“This is a well-deserved reward for your willingness to reform and your courage. We will continue to support you on this path!” assured Schallenberg on X.
The EU summit decided that the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova should also be pushed forward “without delay” once the negotiating mandate is in place. Georgia, which has also had official EU candidate status since December 2023, is called upon to address further priority reforms. (APA)
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