Representatives of parliaments from eight Nordic and Baltic countries made a clear message in Sarajevo on Tuesday that Bosnia and Herzegovina must intensify the implementation of key reforms if it wants to seize the unique opportunity to progress towards membership in the European Union.
The delegation consisted of the presidents of the parliaments of Sweden, Finland, Lithuania and Latvia, and the vice presidents of the parliaments of Norway, Iceland, Estonia and Denmark.
During their visit to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, they spoke with the leadership of both houses of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina and members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on political stagnation and necessary reforms.
Norlen: Reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina are at a dead end
The Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Andreas Norlen stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path has been called into question due to the stagnation in the reform processes.
“We all regret that the reform process has been stopped. EU membership is based on merit and there are no exceptions – BiH must adopt at least two key reform laws and appoint a chief negotiator for the EU,” Norlen said.
He added that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has opened up space for a new EU enlargement, which should not be missed:
“The whole of Europe must be united to confront the Russian threat. This is an opportunity that may not last forever.”
Baltic support for Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, Daiga Mjerinja, pointed out the parallel between the experiences of the Baltic states and the current situation in BiH, emphasizing the importance of European integration for stability.
“We are not coming here to give lessons. We are coming here to offer support – the same kind we received when we were freeing ourselves from Russian influence and moving closer to the EU. If we cannot contain Russia, we cannot have peace in Europe,” said Mjerinja.
Domestic politicians call for sanctions against destructive actors
The Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, Denis Zvizdić, welcomed the delegation’s arrival as an important sign of friendly support and appealed to the international community to sanction politicians who block progress.
“I have called on my friends to sanction those who are working to destabilize the country and hinder its European path,” Zvizdić said.
His deputy, Marinko Čavara, stressed that, despite internal political differences, there is a shared commitment to the EU.
“The problems in BiH are complex, but EU integration is in the interest not only of our country but of the entire Union,” Čavara concluded.
The visit of the Nordic and Baltic delegation comes at a crucial moment for BiH, when the EU’s trust in domestic authorities is being tested. Political leaders in BiH now have the opportunity, but also the responsibility, to demonstrate that reform capacities are possible and achievable – with a clear message that such a chance may not be offered again, BHRT writes.