Husic: EC welcomes the adoption of the Reform Agenda, BiH expected to meet remaining conditions

The meeting is co-chaired on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Adnan Husic, Assistant to the Minister of Civil Affairs of BiH, who stated during a break that this is the second meeting since Bosnia and Herzegovina obtained EU candidate status.

"We are discussing progress in implementing certain recommendations provided by the European Commission since the last meeting and exchanging views on specific issues under the competence of this subcommittee," said Husic.

He added that at the start of the meeting, the European Commission welcomed the adoption of the Reform Agenda, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected to fulfil the remaining conditions to move to the next phase of EU accession.

In the morning session, discussions focused on issues related to the information society, media, social policy, and employment.

Husic noted that some of the recommendations include adopting a new law on electronic identity, a new law on electronic communications, and a law on electronic media.

Other recommendations include ensuring the financial and political independence of the Communications Regulatory Agency, establishing the 112 emergency number, ensuring the political and financial stability of public radio and television services, and creating a public corporation for TV broadcasters as a joint body for the three public broadcasters, as required by law. Additional obligations concern the adoption of a nationwide strategy in the field of labour and employment.

He announced that in the afternoon session, discussions will cover education and culture, research, and innovation.

When asked about the EU’s position on employment policies, especially for young people, Husic said that Bosnia and Herzegovina has agreed to implement the Youth Guarantee instrument.

"One of our obligations from the first part of today’s meeting is to adopt an implementation plan for the Youth Guarantee in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During its implementation, young people will, in a way, be guaranteed access to the labour market for their first employment within a certain period after completing their education and obtaining the necessary qualifications," Husic explained.