Members of the Collegiums of Both Houses of the PABiH Held a Meeting with the President of the Republic of Austria

Members of the Collegiums of both houses of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PABiH) held a meeting today with the President of the Republic of Austria, HE Alexander Van der Bellen, who is paying an official visit to our country.

During the warm and friendly encounter, the interlocutors highlighted the exceptionally close bilateral relations between the two nations, which are bound by deep historical, political, economic, and cultural ties.

President Van der Bellen reaffirmed Austria’s steadfast and continuous support for the European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He emphasised that the future of the entire Western Balkans lies within the European Union, and that Austria remains one of the most vocal advocates of enlargement.

The members of the Collegiums of both houses of the PABiH – Speaker of the House of Representatives Darko Babalj, Speaker of the House of Peoples Kemal Ademović, Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples Dr Nikola Špirić, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr Denis Zvizdić – briefed the Austrian President on the current political situation in BiH, focusing on the fulfillment of key requirements for opening our country's EU membership negotiations.

The members of the Collegiums of both houses of the PABiH thanked Austria and its President particularly for their long-standing, significant assistance and support to BiH, both politically and economically, given that Austria has invested heavily in BiH as one of its top foreign investors for years. They emphasised that Austria is not merely a partner but a true friend that understands the complexities and potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this regard, the interlocutors expressed a mutual desire to strengthen economic ties further, especially in the infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and tourism sectors. The discussions also touched upon the challenges faced by our transport operators within the Schengen area, as well as the continued implementation of the agreement on tuition-free education for BiH students in Austria.

President Van der Bellen encouraged the parliamentarians to pursue reform efforts continuously to advance the European integration process, deliver tangible benefits to citizens, and secure a better future for the younger generations.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the situation in the region and Europe, concluding that a stable and functional Bosnia and Herzegovina remains vital for the peace and stability of the entire continent. (end)