The EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted a decision today concluding the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the EU and BiH. The SAA contains a set of provisions designed to help BiH harmonize its laws and standards with the EU, while gradually establishing a free-trade relationship between BiH and the European states. According to today’s decision, the agreement will enter into force on the first of June.
The EU has called on BiH to remain engaged and maintain the current positive momentum by developing, in consultation with the EU, an initial agenda for reforms with a focus on issues of direct concern to citizens. This initial agenda should include relevant reforms in the areas of economy, rule of law and good governance, and should address functionality issues, including an effective coordination mechanism on EU matters. The EU underlines the importance of engagement with civil society throughout this process. Meaningful progress in implementation of this reform agenda is necessary for a membership application to be considered by the EU.
