A slowdown in the adoption of reforms that would take Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the European Union has lasted since mid-2017 despite the country's commitment to the reform agenda, European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs warned on Thursday at a session discussing a report on Bosnia's road towards possible membership.

Foreign affairs MEPs called on the authorities in Bosnia to proceed with constitutional, political and electoral reforms in order to advance in the EU integration process, according to a statement issued by the Parliament.

They also expressed concern over the ethno-nationalistic rhetoric that, according to them, dominated the recently held general election and election campaign.

Also, they said, both the election and campaign focused on “divisive issues linked to the past, rather than on proposing solutions to the daily concern of Bosnia and Herzegovina's citizens.”

“We want to send a clear signal that Bosnia and Herzegovina must accelerate reforms in order to have a chance to obtain candidate country status in the near future,” said MEP Cristian Dan Preda, the Parliament's rapporteur for Bosnia.

“Implementing the results of the October 7 electon and forming the authorities without unnecessary delays and blockages will be fundamental from this point of view,” he emphasised, pointing out that this must be followed by a serious conversation on political reforms, which would bring the country closer to EU standards.

As an aspiring country, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a subject of annual reports of the EU institutions, which assess the country's pace in implementation of reforms that meet the EU standards.

Foreign affairs MEPs discussed on Thursday the European Commission's 2018 report on Bosnia and submitted their amendments which will be discussed in a parliamentary session next year.

The Committee among other things urged Bosnian MPs to agree on the rules of procedure for the EU-Bosnia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, called on authorities to adopt a countrywide strategy on human rights and stressed the need for further steps towards protection of minority rights.

MEPs also highlited that Bosnia's membership application from February 2016 was a strategic choice and a commitment to advance towards the EU.

According to the EP's statement, the report will be tabled for a vote by the full house next year on a date that is yet to be determined.