High Representative Christian Schmidt met on Tuesday with the Chair of the BiH Presidency, Denis Becirovic, to discuss the current political developments and reform efforts of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities aimed at advancing the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration.

Schmidt underscored the importance of the upcoming EU Council meeting, adding hopes that the Council will endorse opening accession negotiations with BiH. This would be a crucial opportunity for the BiH and its citizens.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to continue with meaningful reforms in the context of both, Dayton implementation and EU integration. The two paths are complementary and not mutually exclusive. Any attempt to water down reforms or disrespect the Dayton Peace Agreement goes against both paths and is a clear sign of a lack of dedication to reforms or commitment to a prosperous future for this country,” the High Representative said.