Sarajevo, (Fena) – The Third Meeting of the Joint Committee overseeing the Agreement on European Partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Council of Ministers and Croatia’s Government was co-chaired by Josip Brkić, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, and Andreja Metelko-Zgombić, State Secretary for Europe at Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in Sarajevo.
The meeting focused on the progress of activities outlined in the Agreement concerning European integration and reforms, as well as future actions for the Joint Committee.
Brkić mentioned the current geopolitical landscape regarding EU enlargement and briefed attendees on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s activities towards its European ambitions. He expressed optimism that by March, BiH would see tangible progress in its European integration process, paving the way for the first Intergovernmental Conference and the start of accession negotiations. He noted that 69.9 percent of BiH citizens support EU membership and affirmed the necessity of BiH’s European path.
Metelko-Zgombić from Croatia welcomed the signing of an Agreement on operational activities by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, viewing it as a significant advancement in BiH’s European journey.
She also referenced conclusions from the previous year’s Danish Presidency of the EU Council, calling for continued reform processes and swift implementation of limited electoral and constitutional reform in BiH. She underscored the importance of the EU’s financial support for facilitating these reforms.
The meeting participants expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and the efforts of the relevant institutions in executing the European Partnership Agreement between BiH and Croatia.
Notably, it was highlighted that under Croatia’s Support Program for BiH’s EU integration, 547 participants, primarily BiH civil servants, have engaged in various training sessions over the past two years to enhance their knowledge and skills in European integration. Plans are in place to continue educational and expert assistance activities for BiH institutions this year. (16.01.)
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