Slovenian MEP in BiH calls for the swift adoption of the reform agenda
Sarajevo – Slovenian MEP Matjaž Nemec from the left-leaning Socialists and Democrats (S&D) called on the Council of Ministers in Sarajevo, at the end of a three-day visit by a delegation of the European Parliament to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which he led, to adopt the reform agenda as soon as possible and thus secure funding from the European instrument for reforms and growth for the Western Balkans, his office announced.
The Council of Ministers of BiH has still not adopted the reform plan, which is a prerequisite for obtaining around one billion euros in European funds. The second deadline set by the European Union for the adoption of the reform plan, which is the basis for the disbursement of funds from the EU plan for economic growth in the Western Balkans, expires on September 30. If the reform plan is not sent to Brussels by that date, BiH will be left without an additional 108 million euros. The European Commission has already reduced the amount planned for BiH due to delays in July by ten percent or 108.5 million euros.
Nemec, the head of the six-member European Parliament mission, also reminded of this today. “I do not want this to happen again at the end of the month,” he emphasized.
The MP is convinced that the solution to the political deadlock and the broader social crisis in BiH lies exclusively in the full membership of the country in the European Union. The earlier the entry of BiH and the entire Western Balkans region into the union, he said, the best investment in collective security, stability, peace, and progress. (September 18)
