The Eupean Commission’s decision to grant Bosnia conditional candidate status is an important document, and the decision to grant BiH conditional candidate status was one of the most important decisions, Josep Borrell, the High Representative for EU Foreign Policy and Security told N1.

“With this, we want to tell the European Council that BiH can get candidate status and that is a big step forward for the stabilization of the Balkans and Bosnia’s EU path. This is an open door for membership and candidate status if the Council confirms it. We tried to make a proposal that should be adopted by the Council. If this happens, it means that we recognize BiH as a candidate. This is a very good opportunity for BiH. I expect that the new leadership, which will emerge after this election, will take advantage of this opportunity and do their best to realize this opportunity to become candidates,” Borrell said.

Varhelyi: European Commission recommends candidate status for Bosnia

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12. 10. 2022 0

NEWS

12. 10. 2022 0

He also commented on numerous appeals due to doubts in the BiH general election results.

“We tried very hard to convince everyone to make this proposal to the Council. It was not easy and there were indeed some questions regarding the new counting of votes. We had an important team of observers who made a series of suggestions. This is an opportunity for the leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's time for the leadership to step up and meet the demands. I insist on that, the EU cannot do everything by itself,” says Borrell.

He also commented on the statements made by Milorad Dodik, the incumbent BiH Presidency member and Russia's influence in the Western Balkans. Borrell said he is worried about Russia's role in the Balkans, because, he claims, it is trying to destabilize this region.

“Our engagement must be stronger and with these decisions, we show that it makes sense that we asked the Council to accept our proposal,” the High Representative for EU Foreign Policy and Security said.

Regarding the possible sanctions against Bosnia and Herzegovina due to the cooperation of BiH Presidency member Milorad Dodik with the Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Borrell says that one should not always look for bad news and things that can happen.

“No one is talking about the sanctions on BiH, today's decision shows that. This is the moment for BiH to use the opportunity to make an effort and implement all the tasks in order to progress towards the European path”, concludes Borrell.