The third high-level Political Forum on Bosnia's European integration, which was co-chaired by the Council of Ministers Chair Borjana Kristo and the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, was held today in Sarajevo after which BiH Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic addressed the press, following his meeting with the Commissioner.

“I just finished a meeting with Oliver Varhelyi. It's a very fair meeting, especially on the part of the European Union. It seems to me that the EU has serious intentions. However, unfortunately, due to some political entanglements, we in BiH have lost momentum towards European integration. If the political leaders would have the courage, this meeting could be the beginning of a return to what is most important in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that is the concern about the status of citizens, their living conditions, salaries, etc.,” Konakovic said.

“The European Union has a serious offer, it's not just two billion Bosnian marks (some €1 billion). These are opportunities that could bring in new investors, raise wages, and keep the youth in the country. I want to thank Oliver Varhelyi for his engagement thus far as well as the EU's, which is very fair to Bosnia and Herzegovina. They're offering us a lot of chances but the complex political arrangement provokes some internal disagreements. If we are brave, we can return to what could make life easier for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, Konaković concluded.