President of France Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz joined the series of statements, welcoming the decision of the European Council on Thursday to open the accession talks between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also emphasised the need to resume the work on reforms on the EU integration path. Pročitaj više

Macron said that based on the European Commission's assessment the opening of the accession talks will come into effect once the necessary conditions are met. However, the European Council's decision, he stressed, sends a clear signal.

He emphasised that the future of the Western Balkans is in the European Union and that the EU is resolute in strengthening the European roots in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so that the country is not left alone in the Balkans and faced with appetites with foreign powers.

“In the country marked with the scars of the war, which delightfully received the signal last night sent by Europeans, it is now up to its leaders to conduct necessary reforms if they wish the accession process to move swiftly. This is the process based on the own merits of candidate countries,” Macron stressed, adding that Bosnia is not expected to make tangible progress in the areas covering civil society, media, freedom of expression, judiciary, fight against corruption and organised crime.

German Chancellor recalled that none of the Western Balkan countries has become a member state since the Thessaloniki summit 20 years ago.

“And this is why it is so important for me that these countries now have such perspective and that this process got a momentum with Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is important, just like continuing the process with Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia,” said Scholz, underlining the necessity to continue the work on reforms.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the European Council's decision came as a result of the pressure within the European Union and that it has undergone a very complex debate.

“Thanks to the European Council's conclusions, Sarajevo will now be able to start this journey, and that is very important for us, for the Italy's line, Italy's stance on the Western Balkans’ accession,” she underlined.

Robert Golob, the prime minister of Slovenia, congratulated to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and welcomed the country into the European family.

“The authorities in BiH need to establish intensive contact with the European Commission. There is no need to wait,” he said, stressing the importance of working on multiple reform processes on the road to the EU membership.

Jessika Roswall, the Swedish Minister of European Affairs, who is set to arrive for an official visit to Sarajevo on Monday, she congratulated on the steps made towards the EU membership and emphasised that it is now necessary to work on essential reforms.

“Sweden politically and financially supports the road of BiH towards the European Union. We are one of the biggest bilateral donors, and our comprehensive goal is to provide support to BiH in the implementation of the European reforms. Your place is in the European family,” she stressed ahead of the visit.

The US administration joined the European leaders, calling the decision an “important milestone in BiH's history.”

“The United States welcomes the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is an important milestone in BiH’s history and a key step toward securing the country’s rightful place in the Euro-Atlantic community of nations.

The United States will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and multiethnic character and to help it progress toward membership in the European Union,” said the US Embassy in Sarajevo.