Marta Kos in Sarajevo: Bosnia to Return to the EU Path

Marta Kos (BETAPHOTO/STA/Thierry Monasse)

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said in Sarajevo on Sept. 22 that the European Union’s response to “the new challenges arising from unconstitutional and secessionist legislation and initiatives adopted in Republika Srpska” had been “firm and unequivocal.”

Speaking at a press conference after her talks with Chairwoman of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers Borjana Kristo, Kos stressed that institutions, including the Constitutional Court and the Central Election Commission, had to be honored, calling upon the Council of Ministers to re-launch the reforms immediately.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina must return to the path leading to the EU. The country cannot afford wasting any more time,” Kos warned, adding that the EU still sees Bosnia and Herzegovina as a member, “and as a whole country.”

Kos also recalled recent “positive steps” by Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing the adoption of two relevant EU laws in January and the signing of a Frontex status agreement in June, but warned that these moves would not be sufficient if the country failed to resume the reform process.

Kos singled out a stronger judiciary as a priority, together with the adoption of a new law on courts and a new law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, which should be in line with European standards, adding the appointment of a chief negotiator with the EU as another important prerequisite.

The EU official had previously met with the Bosniak member of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency Denis Becirovic, while the Serb and Croat members, Zeljka Cvijanovic and Zeljko Komsic, did not attend the meeting.