Bosnia and Herzegovina: Statement by EU Commissioner Rehn on election

I am pleased to note the report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), stating that the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina were conducted generally in line with international standards for democratic elections. I welcome the peaceful conduct of the elections and the increased turn out in the polling stations.

It is now important that the newly elected political leaders step up their efforts on the reform agenda and achieve real progress towards meeting the requirements of EU integration. In particular reforms in the areas of police, public broadcasting and public administration are necessary to ensure the successful conclusion of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement. In this context, continued cooperation with the ICTY remains essential.

The European Commission is fully committed to support Bosnia and Herzegovina on its road towards EU. We will actively support a reform oriented government. Substantial EU financial assistance is available to contribute to the efforts of the new Government to address the most urgent reforms.

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• Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the adoption of the constitutional law in Bosnia and Herzegovina  (24/4/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement - Security Council Open Briefing on Bosnia and Herzegovina (18/4/2006)
• EUHR Solana welcomes progress by Bosnia and Herzegovina in reforming constitution (17/4/2006)
• Perspectives for Bosnia and Herzegovina - Speech by EU Commissioner Rehn (15/2/2006)
• EUHR Solana welcomes appointment of Schwarz-Schilling as EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (31/1/2006)