The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, addressed Bosnia and Herzegovina. public after a series of meetings held in Sarajevo, praising Bosnia “for 100% compliance with the foreign and security policy of the European Union."

She also explained what she called the historic decision of the European Union from December last year to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina when certain progress is made.

“You have shown that you can achieve results if the country jointly moves forward. The four of us are united and agree that we see Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EU. Let nothing divert you from the given course”, she said.

She referred to the meetings held Monday, at which BiH officials were told what else needed to be done.

“We need to see the adoption of laws related to democracy and the rule of law. Activities should start from the Law on courts, suppression of conflicts of interest and fight against money laundering,” she said.

Today, we had intense discussions about the ‘growth plan’ – that is, a kind of EU offer for stronger integration of BiH into the European market.

“There, we open the door for seven important sectors – in principle for business entities coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, these activities must be accompanied by reforms of an economic nature that will ensure equal business conditions. If proven, they can secure an additional billion from the European Union. The authors created the ‘growth plan’ so that no country in the Western Balkans can block its neighbours,” said Von der Leyen.

She recalled that the European Union's report on BiH's progress would be published in March when it will continue to be discussed by European leaders.

Von der Leyen also said that after the elections in the summer, a new composition of the European Parliament will be formed and that the current situation is “a great opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also for the EU, which is incomplete without the Western Balkans”.