Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, met today in Brussels with the tripartite Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milorad Dodik, Željko Komšić and Šefik Džaferović, during their first joint visit abroad since the Presidency’s inauguration in November last year.

In response to their common message of commitment to the country’s European Union path, the High Representative welcomed their resolve to work together, stressing that their unity of action will be to the benefit of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all of its citizens. In this respect, the role of the Presidency in lowering political tensions and promoting reconciliation will be crucial.

The High Representative and the Presidency members agreed on the importance of seeing the country’s Council of Ministers and all entity governments formed without delay, so that they can address the many challenges that lie ahead. Among them are the rule of law, including the electoral reform, implementation of Constitutional Court decisions and strengthening of judiciary, as well as continued social-economic reforms.

Equally, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to submit swiftly all the replies to the questionnaire for the European Commission to finalise its opinion on the country’s EU membership application.

Federica Mogherini highlighted her commitment to the EU perspective of the country and stressed that she wants to see irreversible progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans region towards the EU by the end of the year.