Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic expressed optimism on Thursday that Bosnia and Herzegovina could accelerate its EU path due to the changed climate regarding enlargement within European institutions and urged the authorities to meet the remaining criteria for BiH to get a date for opening negotiations.

“Given the changed climate on enlargement, my impression is that there is visible goodwill. With this new energy and enthusiasm, there are serious prospects for BiH to rapidly join the other countries that have advanced somewhat further on the European path,” he said at a press conference in Mostar at the end of a two-day visit to BiH.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at the Bled Strategic Forum earlier this week that she was willing to help BiH progress toward EU membership.

Plenkovic acknowledged that BiH is entering a month-long election campaign where all other topics will be sidelined, and he called on all political forces to focus on meeting the remaining criteria for setting a date to open EU accession negotiations after the campaign.

“That call should be seized,” he said. For further progress, Plenkovic said it was crucial to amend the election law to stop the practice of Croats being outvoted, which has happened four times with the imposition of Zeljko Komsic in the BiH Presidency through the votes of Bosniaks.

“We believe it is unjust for another majority people to elect a representative to the BiH Presidency (for Croats). Politically, it is wrong and sends a message that automatically leaves reservations in mutual relations,” he said.

The leader of the Croatian National Assembly of BiH, Dragan Čovic, noted that without Plenkovic's role in European institutions, BiH would not have made the necessary steps. Croatian politicians in BiH are leading the integration processes, he added, emphasising that it is crucial to secure a date for negotiations with the EU by the end of the year.

“This opportunity must not be missed, as we have no other alternative but Euro-Atlantic ambitions when it comes to BiH,” he said.

During the day, 199 support contracts by Croatia's Central State Office for Croats outside Croatia were awarded. Plenkovic highlighted the importance of supporting the Croatian National Theatre, whose building is under construction in the centre of Mostar, the Mostar University, and the University Clinical Hospital.

“Culture, education, and health represent the key pillars through which Croatia supports Croats in BiH, but for the benefit of all who live in BiH,” he said.