Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr Dragan Čović, held a working meeting with the Special Representative and Ambassador of the European Union

“Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PABiH), Dr Dragan Čović, held a working meeting today in Sarajevo with the Special Representative of the European Union and EU Ambassador to BiH, H.E. Luigi Soreca.

The meeting focused on exchanging views regarding the functioning of the authorities at the level of BiH, necessary steps to achieve renewed momentum on the European path, the state of political dialogue, and other key issues such as amendments and supplements to the electoral legislation.

Dr Čović emphasised the importance of establishing a functional political dialogue which, through agreements among legitimate representatives, will result in an accelerated legislative process and implementation of key reforms. He stressed that it is crucial to preserve peace, security, and the territorial integrity of BiH, while also achieving necessary progress regarding amendments to the Electoral Law that will ensure unobstructed respect for the constitutional framework of BiH and the democratic will of Croats as a constituent people, with an emphasis on institutions established to safeguard collective rights.

He stated that he expects the adoption of key laws – the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) and the Law on the Court of BiH – at the upcoming session of the House of Peoples of the PABiH, scheduled for 29 May. The adoption of these laws, as well as the appointment of the chief negotiator and fulfilment of the conditions for the Growth Plan, is a priority which, as he pointed out, will significantly contribute to establishing internal stability and the continuation of EU integration as the most important foreign policy priority.

Ambassador Soreca reiterated the European Union’s firm commitment to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in achieving the necessary progress, emphasising that the fulfilment of crucial conditions and the implementation of reforms are fundamental prerequisites for opening accession talks. He underlined the expectation for the adoption of European laws in the House of Peoples by the end of May, stating that institutional stability and the rule of law must be priorities for all political actors.

The interlocutors agreed that the European perspective of BiH is a shared goal that requires urgent overcoming of blockades and obstacles, strengthening dialogue, and responsible and decisive action by all levels of government in the country.” (Statement from the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples, Dr Dragan Čović)