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Speech by EU Commissioner Rehn - Bosnia and Herzegovina: Moving closer to Europe

Speech by Mr Olli Rehn, Member of the European Commission responsible for Enlargement, Official opening of the SAA negotiations, Sarajevo

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Moving closer to Europe

Prime Minister, Presidents, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ten years ago, the Dayton/Paris Peace Accords brought to an end the worst war in Europe since World War II. We have celebrated this important anniversary this week.

During the last decade, Bosnia and Herzegovina has gone a long way in building a multiethnic democracy. Today the prospects of hostilities are remote, the reconstruction of infrastructure is largely completed, and the state building is on its way. I would like to congratulate the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina for such achievements.

The official opening today of the negotiations between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina for a Stabilisation and Accession Agreement is proof of your success. The EU demanded significant progress in 16 different areas for this step to be taken. I am delighted to be here to celebrate such important progress with you.

Your country has a clear European perspective, which today becomes even more concrete and tangible. Today marks the start of a new phase in the relationship between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It is only about one month ago that the Commission recommended to the Council the opening of the negotiations. The speed at which the Council has adopted on 21 November the Negotiating Directive for the Commission to negotiate the Agreement indicates the strong support of the Member States in this process. I want to particularly thank the UK Presidency for its effective and determined work to this effect.

However, this does not mean that the conditions to progress in this process were more relaxed. The process is demanding and will require strong commitment, efforts and visible results from BiH. The recent Progress Report and the new European Partnership provide further guidance for the work ahead. The pace and conclusion of negotiations will depend on BiH progress in developing its legislative framework and administrative capacity and in addressing European Partnership key priorities such as continued co-operation with ICTY, implementation of the agreement on the police restructuring and progress regarding public broadcasting. Before the end of the negotiations, the Council and the Commission will jointly review Bosnia and Herzegovina's performance.

For the rapid advancement of the SAA negotiations, we need a well organised counterpart that is able to cooperate, find solutions and forge common solutions. It is of paramount importance that BiH can speak with one voice through its chief negotiator - and that the chief negotiator is capable of building internal consensus on the negotiating positions. This implies also involving civil society and economic actors to ensure a smooth implementation of commitments taken in the negotiations.

With a good implementation record, it will be possible for BiH to advance towards ever more ambitious EU objectives.

Bosnia and Herzegovina can substantially benefit from this agreement, which will help in enhancing trade relations and attract investments which in turn will generate jobs. BiH citizens will benefit from better consumer protection and from cooperation in areas ranging from tackling organised crime and trafficking to environmental standards, and from education and social policies to transport and energy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ten years on Bosnia and Herzegovina has to look towards the future: the country can now move from peace building to state building.

I welcome the emerging consensus among Bosnian political party leaders on the need to make changes to the Constitution. This is a key reform, and it is you, the people of this country and their representatives, who have and must have the ownership. Let me nevertheless underline again that it is crucial for this country to develop efficient governance in a functional multi-ethnic state to serve better its citizens.

Dear friends,

I am looking forward to next year. I hope to see SAA negotiations advancing and the constitution evolving during 2006. I am also looking forward to a high-level event on the Western Balkans that will be organised in March under the Austrian Presidency. At this meeting we will get an opportunity to take stock of achievements and shortcomings since the Thessaloniki Summit, as well as to set new goals for the future.

I am committed to work with the Austrian Presidency to push issues that really matter for people in this region, for example easier access to visas. The Commission is currently working on negotiating mandates for both visa facilitation and readmission, which we will propose to the Council.

We have important challenges ahead. Much effort will be required from BiH. On behalf of the Commission I can say that we are looking forward to support you on your road towards ever closer integration with the EU.

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