SARAJEVO, November 3 (FENA) – The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated today in Sarajevo that the European Union remains firmly committed to the stability and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and that it will not allow the creation of a security vacuum in the country.
Kallas is visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, beginning her trip with a visit to the EUFOR Althea mission in Butmir, where she addressed EUFOR personnel and emphasized the importance of preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH.
”Sovereignty is facing threats. Challenges to territorial integrity must not go unanswered, especially those in Europe. That is why the EU reacted swiftly when threats to the integrity and constitutional order of BiH appeared, and in March, we reinforced the EUFOR Althea mission with additional troops. This is also why your annual exercise ‘Quick Response’ was so important and successful—it proves your readiness and full operational capability to respond to security threats,” she said.
Kallas also expressed satisfaction with the decision of the United Nations Security Council to extend the mandate of EUFOR for another year.
”The world recognizes that you are safeguarding the security of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thirty years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the European Union will continue to do everything in its power to prevent any security vacuum in this country. We will not allow history to repeat itself,” she emphasized.
The High Representative also praised the decisions of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska to withdraw unconstitutional laws, saying that this is an opportunity to ease political tensions and strengthen the rule of law, and she underlined the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to the European Union.
”Free presidential elections will restore trust in local authorities. The people of BiH deserve an opportunity for stability and a chance to breathe freely—and that will be ensured through EU membership. That is the best guarantee of a brighter future for this country. Opportunities for EU enlargement rarely come, and one such opportunity is here now. Your political leaders must seize it, or it will disappear,” Kallas stressed.
She also noted that after a year and a half of discussions, last month the Council of Ministers of BiH submitted the Reform Agenda to the European Commission.
”This could secure nearly one billion euros. Every reform improves the quality of life of citizens. Tomorrow, the European Commission will present our annual enlargement report. I expect that our recommendations for the coming year will focus precisely on these issues. Important laws in the area of judicial reform, as well as the appointment of the chief negotiator, will be key,” she said.
Kallas also commented on the role of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in BiH and the use of the Bonn Powers.
”The Bonn Powers will cease to exist once there are adequate domestic capacities for decision-making. The reforms we are asking from the BiH authorities are very concrete. The decisions lie with the domestic authorities. The same goes for the chief negotiator, there needs to be one office, a single contact point. That person must have the trust of everyone in this country,” Kallas concluded.
