The Executive Director for Europe in the European Service for Foreign Affairs, Angelina Eichhorst, arrived on a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and today she addressed the media after the meeting she had with local officials.

“Before returning to Brussels, I wanted to go to the Butmir camp and meet with the EUFOR commander. As you can see, the primary reason behind this short visit is the political dialogue we have with six partners from the Western Balkans. I take this opportunity to thank you for your hospitality. I think that we discussed very important topics with our partners in order to strengthen and intensify the dialogue, above all in the context of the common policy towards the EU and the joint defence”, she said.

“Having already mentioned the defence, after this address to the media, I will speak with the commander of the ALTEA mission,” added Eichhorst.

She said she noticed a special energy in the work of the BiH Foreign Ministry, and that everyone is engaged in fulfilling their tasks.

“It was a short visit, but a very productive one. Yesterday I met with the Presidency and we discussed what the next step is for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a significant moment and momentum, as well as an opportunity that has presented itself. An opportunity that requires everyone to be engaged in completing tasks,” Eichhorst said, noting what the main conditions expected from BiH. Authorities are:

“The March session of the European Council is extremely important for BiH. Recently Mrs. von der Layen visited BiH, she wanted to see what was done so that she could report to the heads of state. In particular, we want to see progress on the issue of Frontex, the adoption of the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, the Law on Conflict of Interest and the Law on Courts. That's what I call 3+1 conditions. We have to do all the preparations in order to have an adequate election process.”

“I must take the opportunity to congratulate everyone who is part of the ALTHEA mission and the mission they are performing. As the EU, we rely heavily on EUFOR’s assessments. I try to minimize any threat that is present. Unfortunately, such threats are present in the media space and they are coming from those who want to fulfill their job,” Eichhorst concluded.