EU, VS en Bosnische partijen bespreken toekomst (en)

For the second time in ten days, Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt visited Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 20–21 October. Mr Bildt was joined on the visit by US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn.

Talks were held with seven Bosnian party leaders on the reforms necessary in Bosnia and Herzegovina to prevent the country from falling behind in the transatlantic integration process.

This initiative by the EU and the US reveals the concern that exists over recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where a great deal of time and energy has been spent on internal political wrangling instead of focusing on the reform work needed to enable the country to move closer to both the EU and NATO.

During the talks, issues related to the international presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina were discussed, as well as how a more effective, modern and EU-compatible constitution could be put in place.

Mr Bildt, Mr Rehn and Mr Steinberg stressed that the EU and the US are prepared to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in this work, but they also stressed that decisions on the country’s future are ultimately the responsibility of Bosnian politicians. 

Mr Bildt and Mr Steinberg made a joint statement after the meeting.