SARAJEVO, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s parliament made a historic decision when it chose to implement the path to joining the European Union, the EU's foreign policy chief has said during a visit to the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo.
EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini made her comments on Monday as she welcomed Bosnia's House of Peoples unanimously adopting a statement by the Bosnian presidency and 14 party leaders calling for the implementation of EU reforms.
Mogherini said in her address to parliament members: "This is the first step and it is clear that it is necessary to do a lot more before submitting an application for EU membership.
"All institutions will have to focus on specific activities."
'Common objectives'
She said among steps that need to be addressed were the country's 60 percent youth unemployment, the improvement of health and social services, strengthening of rule of law and strengthening of institutions at all levels, including the coordination mechanism with the EU.
She said: "We expect the strengthening of the administrative capacities that will strengthen the effectiveness of institutions at all levels.
"Success depends on common objectives of all parties and representatives who will work together on the European path."
The Bosnian presidency also confirmed on Monday its decision to send Bosnian armed forces personnel to participate in NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.
