prijava
SARAJEVO, May 6 (FENA) - Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Šefik Džaferović participated in the EPP Summit ahead of the European Union-Western Balkans Summit, hosted by the Republic of Croatia.
The European People's Party (EPP) summit, which took place in the form of a video conference, was attended by President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković as host, Bulgarian Prime Minister Bojko Borisov, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and others.
In his address, Chairman Džaferović emphasized that the pandemic crisis has shown us how much peoples and states are interconnected and how dependent we are of each other.
"The coronavirus pandemic has shown the devastating power not only on human health but also on the entire economic, institutional and social system. But the outcome of a crisis ultimately depends on how we treat it. Solidarity and togetherness should be the key things to remember from this crisis one day when it passes," Džaferović said.
He added that Bosnia and Herzegovina has so far successfully responded to the health aspect of the pandemic crisis by taking timely and appropriate protection measures.
"We are facing serious challenges regarding the inevitable negative economic consequences. I thank the European Union, which has provided Bosnia and Herzegovina important assistance in coping with both the health and economic crises. This is by far the most significant support Bosnia and Herzegovina has received," Džaferović said.
He stressed that like any other crisis, this can also be a chance to strengthen European unity. The common affliction, he stated, can unite us and bring us closer together.
"This time as well, we have seen that only by acting together can we successfully respond to the challenges we face. I believe that the pandemic should be viewed in this way by all of us who are supporters of a united Europe, a strong European Union and the continuation of European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The absence of solidarity of the European Union, or even an indication of it, opens up the space for action of others and different policies and influences, both within the European Union itself, and especially in the Western Balkans," Džaferović underlined his address.
He stressed that BiH is part of Europe, but also wants to be part of the European Union and its institutions and that this stands as a major foreign policy priority and strategic interest of our country, with a full consensus on the matter.
"For the reasons I have stated, it is very important that BiH and the entire Western Balkans receive very clear messages about the long-term prospect of full membership in the European Union. Of course, it is up to us to take concrete steps to accelerate the implementation of reforms and fulfill the conditions that are required of us," said the Chairman of the BiH Presidency.
Džaferović emphasized that it would be extremely important for BiH to obtain a candidate status and open the negotiations during this year.
"After the political and now the pandemic crisis, I believe that the time has come to devote ourselves to accelerating the implementation of the recommendations of the European Commission Opinion. The first steps have already been made in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to BiH and our other partners," Džaferović said.
He also said that a credible European perspective is the most powerful mechanism for advancing human rights, the rule of law, establishing internal political cohesion in BiH, and one of the most significant factors of socio-economic progress.
"That is why I would like to once again reiterate that the European path remains our lasting and strategic commitment, for the benefit of our citizens, in accordance with the mutual interests of the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Party Democratic Action, as a member of the European People's Party, on whose behalf I speak today as well, has always cultivated a commitment to European integration and there are no dilemmas for us in this regard," concluded Džaferović.
(FENA) S. R.
