European Commission's chief tells Bosnia to unite in seeking EU membership
The European Commission chief urged Bosnia to “with one voice” if it wants to move forward in an effort to join the European Union after gaining candidate status last year
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina — The European Commission chief on Wednesday urged Bosnia to speak «with one voice,” regardless of the country's different ethnic groups, so that it can move forward toward joining the European Union after gaining candidate status last year.
The remarks by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen came as she wrapped up her tour of Western Balkan EU hopefuls in Bosnia's capital of Sarajevo.
“My first message is basically re-emphasizing that Bosnia-Herzegovina's future is in (the) European Union and how much we want to have you as a full member,” she said. “The work you’ve done in your first year … shows that the country can deliver.”
As the war rages in Ukraine, EU officials have sought to push the integration process forward and encourage Balkan nations to boost reforms. During her trip, von der Leyen discussed details of the 6 billion-euro ($6.37 billion) package for Western Balkan countries.
The six countries — Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo — are at different stages on their path to joining the EU, a process expected to take years.
Bosnia remains at the back of the queue, plagued by corruption, ethnic and political divisions long after the 1992-95 war that killed over 100,000 people and displaced millions.
Bosnia's Serb leaders have openly advocated separation from Bosnia, for which their top officials have faced U.S. and British sanctions. Bosnian Serb authorities also have faced criticism for passing laws that critics say curtail freedom of speech and civil society.
In Sarajevo,
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