Political stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina are at Austria's heart and Austria will do its best to support the country's accession to European Union, ambassador Ulrike Hartmann said in an event on Monday evening in Sarajevo, marking the National Holiday of Austria.

Hartmann called Bosnia and Herzegovina a “a strong Austrian partner,” whose political stability and future within the EU are “at Austria's heart.”

“Therefore, we will do everything to support such a beautiful and rich in people, natural beauty and resources country in meeting the requirements for admission to the European Union and to grant it candidate status this year already,” said Hartmann.

She also pointed out the country's obligations towards that goal.

“However, our support alone will not be enough. Bosnia and Herzegovina also needs to take the necessary steps, to accept and implement the values on which the European Union is based through its legislation,” she underlined.

The Austrian diplomat also said that now after the European Commission recommended candidate status for Bosnia and the country held general elections, the time is right for a new political momentum.

“There is a lot at stake for Bosnia and Herzegovina – not only getting closer to membership in the European Union, but also to give people a perspective in their own country, and to be on the right side of the European security structure,” she added.

In a statement issued on this occasion , the Austrian Embassy in Sarajevo said Bosnia has been for years achieving a surplus in trade with Austria. In addition, to successful economic cooperation, Austria played an important role in cultural and social development of Bosnia and Herzegovina, supporting the country on its EU path.

The Embassy pointed out that Austria as a neutral country always stands on the side of rights and people, while emphasising the importance of solidarity and reliable partners.

“And just like now in the case of Ukraine, Austria has always been on the side of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” it added.

In her speech during the ceremony on Monday, the ambassador also emphasised Austria's participation in the EU's peacekeeping military mission in Bosnia, EUFOR Althea.

“Our stance is clear: Austria wants to continue, with its soldiers, to take care of peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” she stressed.

The event took place at the Army Hall in presence of many prominent persons.