Foreign Affairs Ministers of Italy and Austria, Antonio Tajani and Alexander Schallenberg are set to arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday for an official visit, their second joint visit to the country, to demonstrate their support and to call for continued reforms to keep Bosnia and Herzegovina on track towards the European Union, according to a press release announcing the event.

“In light of the upcoming European Council on 21-22 March 2024, the two ministers today return to Sarajevo to reiterate their support. Italy and Austria share a long tradition of supporting BiH, so today’s message is clear: We are your partners in a shared European future. However, it is now high time for all political decision-makers in BiH to address long-standing issues and deliver,” said the press release.

Italy's Tajani reaffirmed support of his country to BiH's EU integration and this time ahead of the European Council's meeting.

“Italy has always been a strong advocate for BiH within the European Union. We have consistently supported the opening of the accession negotiations with BiH and later this month, we will call on other EU members to take such an important decision. BiH is ready for this historical goal and Rome will stand along Sarajevo to provide all possible support and technical assistance in its reform efforts. Also, our Government remains fully engaged for the security and stability of BiH, where we remain committed with a substantially increased contribution to EUFOR Althea,” he said.

The joint statement also recalled of the events of 2022 when the country was granted the EU candidate status, noting that the “expectations for political reform were clear.”
“Over the past twelve months, the country has made significant progress. Important laws were adopted and the European Council expressed its readiness to open accession negotiations,” it added.

During their visit, the two ministers will members of theBosnia's tripartite Presidency, the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers Borjana Kristo and Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic, to emphasize the importance of maintaining this momentum.
“They will also emphasise that much-needed reforms are not being imposed on BiH from the outside. They are not merely bureaucratic exercises, but rather they are at the very heart of improving the lives of citizens,” the press release said.

German FM in Bosnia next week for an official visit

Austrian, Italian FMs in Sarajevo next week

Austria's Schallenberg also reiterated his country's support to that goal ahead of the visit.

“We have always been a staunch supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina's integration into the EU. But everyone has to do their homework. The goal of EU membership should be a strong enough incentive to unite all political actors and to implement the required reforms now, so that the European Council later this month can give the green light for the opening of accession negotiations. The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been waiting for too long, they deserve a prosperous future in the EU,” he stressed.

Both ministers agree – the EU is incomplete without the Western Balkans and that it is now time for BiH to complete the required EU reforms and finally cross the finishing line.

“A future within the EU is crucial for the country's and its people's future prosperity. Italy and Austria will continue to be BiH’s strong and vocal partners, also in mobilising broader international support,” they stressed.