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SARAJEVO, January 14 (FENA) - Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Bosnia and Herzegovina Augustina Cvetkova-Karabaseva said that BiH and the countries of the region have an exceptional opportunity to make a significant step forward on the path to the EU during the Bulgarian presidency of the European Union (EU).
Interviewer: Jelena Marković
As Cvetkova-Karabaseva pointed out in an interview with FENA, this opportunity must not be missed, but she added that it is important to keep in mind that if the countries themselves do not make an effort, then the help from the outside will not be enough.
She especially emphasized that the European perspective of the Western Balkans will be one of the key priorities of the Republic of Bulgaria during its presidency of Council of the EU.
“Our goal is to make a clear action plan with concrete steps in the process of European integration for each of the countries of the Western Balkans, but without creating unrealistic expectations,” said the Ambassador, pointing out that the path of European integration is the path to peace, security and development of the region.
The goal of the Bulgarian presidency is to ensure better integration of the Western Balkan countries with the EU, which includes transport, energy, education and digital connectivity, and a good opportunity for this is the EU Summit - Western Balkans, which will be held in May 2018 in Sofia.
She noted that the reorganizing the conditions in the European integration process does not eliminate conditionality as a key principle, according to which all requirements in the EU accession process must be met.
In this context, she underlined that the BiH authorities should make a joint effort to complete the coordinated responses to the European Commission Questionnaire.
“The progress of the country depends on its own efforts, and you can expect our support in this process,” the Bulgarian Ambassador said.
Cvetkova-Karabaseva also said that Bulgaria is one of the EU member states which believes that the European perspective represents a guarantee that the region will turn into a region of stability, economic development and security.
Therefore, she added that there is no other way for the Western Balkans than to join the European family.
Bulgaria is ready to provide expertise and exchange of experience from its accession process.
In this regard, the Ambassador announced that during the Bulgarian presidency, in addition to the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, they plan to organize a series of conferences and seminars in BiH, where topics such as the perspectives of European integration of the Western Balkans, employment of young people, the role of civil societies in the process of EU integration, opportunities and benefits for the development of local self-government will be discussed.
Relations between BiH and Bulgaria have been friendly, and she added that there are no open issues between the two countries. She recalled that Bulgaria was the first country to recognize independence of BiH and that her country wishes to deepen and develop bilateral cooperation at all levels.
This, as she noted, has been confirmed by the intensive bilateral dialogue, including the recent visit of Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform, Ekaterina Zaharieva.
“There are also additional possibilities for deepening of trade and economic relations, as well as promotion of tourism, cultural and regional cooperation. This year we will be working on joint projects with the Ombudsman Institution of BiH, as well as the cities and municipalities of Cazin, Bijeljina, Goražde, Zavidovići, Drvar, Jezero, Vitez, Fojnica, Rudo, Mostar, but also many other,” said the Ambassador and added that Bulgaria will continue to assist in the process of sustainable development in BiH.
Bulgarian Ambassador also commented on Brexit, the UK exiting the EU, which is officially planned to happen on March 29 next year.
“I believe that the EU is strong enough and the departure of one of the member states will not reduce the chances for the countries of the Western Balkans to find their place in the European family, and this can even become a catalyst in the process of their European integration,” noted the Bulgarian Ambassador.
She expressed confidence that the EU must confirm the European perspective of all Western Balkan countries and strengthen the motivation of leaders and citizens for pro-European reforms.
“At the same time, we understand the reluctance of some member states, but the EU faces a number of challenges that must be overcome, Brexit included,” concluded Ambassador Cvetkova-Karabaseva.
(FENA) S. R.
