Joint Press release - First meeting of Stabilisation and Association Council between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU

The Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union held its first meeting on 11 December 2015. The meeting was chaired by Ms Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, in her capacity as President of the Foreign Affairs Council. The Delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was led by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers Denis ZVIZDIĆ who was accompanied by Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Mirko ŠAROVIĆ and Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor CRNADAK. Commissioner Johannes HAHN also took part in the meeting.

The SA Council welcomed the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement on 1 June 2015 and commended Bosnia and Herzegovina for its progress in 2015 on its path towards the European Union. The European Union noted that the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) is an important step for Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU integration process and that it provides the broad framework within which the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina will intensify their co-operation on the political criteria, economic criteria as well as trade and legal approximation with the EU acquis.

The SA Council recalled the renewed approach towards Bosnia and Herzegovina as provided for by the Council of the EU conclusions of 15 and 16 December 2014, the Council conclusions of 16 March 2015 as well as the Council conclusions of 12 October 2015, which welcomed the adoption of the Reform Agenda by Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities. This adoption marked an important step for the credible implementation of commitments undertaken by Bosnia and Herzegovina's leadership. Bosnia and Herzegovina is now back on the reform track necessary to move the country forward on its EU path. Encouraging early results have been achieved so far with the adoption of key reforms. On this basis, the Council of the EU called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain positive momentum by continuing to implement the reforms, in cooperation with civil society. Meaningful progress in the implementation of the Reform Agenda is necessary for the EU to consider a membership application from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Council also called on Bosnia and Herzegovina to focus on the improvement of the socio-economic situation in order to make further progress in EU integration and avoid attention being diverted by a discussion on a possible holding of an entity-level referendum on State Judiciary.

The SA Council recalled that the SAA will help Bosnia and Herzegovina harmonising its legislation and policies with EU acquis in key areas creating a new impetus for the country's economy and economic welfare of its citizens, as well as additional opportunities for Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU companies alike. Moreover, the SA Agreement will further reinforce the benefits of the Interim Agreement especially in the area of trade. Improvement of internal coordination on EU affairs will enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to fully benefit from opportunities provided under this agreement especially once an effective and efficient coordination mechanism on EU matters is set-up and functioning and adjusted to reflect the entry into force of the SAA.

The SAA will remain at the core of the relationship between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina until accession. Upholding of all commitments and obligations under the SAA, including those relating to its adaptation following the accession of Croatia to the EU, is an important element of the commitment to EU integration process. The SA Council welcomed Bosnia and Herzegovina's statement that negotiations should be resumed swiftly to find a mutually agreeable solution in line with the principle of traditional trade.

The SA Council welcomed the Strategy paper and the Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted by the Commission on 10 November 2015.