Member of the Joint Commission for European Integration of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ilija Cvitanović, is participating in the 20th session of COSAP in Belgrade

Ilija Cvitanović, a member of the Joint Commission for European Integration of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PABiH), is participating in the 20th Conference of Parliamentary Commissions for European Integration of the countries of Southeast Europe covered by the Stabilization and Association Process (COSAP), which is being held today and tomorrow in Belgrade.

The participants in the conference, hosted by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, are discussing the topic "EU Enlargement Policy – The Way Forward," as well as the importance of regional cooperation and connectivity as essential prerequisites in the EU accession process.

In his address during the panel on EU enlargement policy, Ilija Cvitanović first expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the tragedy at the railway station in Novi Sad, and then spoke about the external and internal challenges Bosnia and Herzegovina faces on its European path.

He stated that there is a consensus between the government and the opposition in our country regarding the European integration process, but due to the complex situation, as well as the specifics of the constitutional arrangement, Bosnia and Herzegovina is delayed in adopting certain laws, particularly in judiciary.

Expressing hope that the parliamentary majority will agree on the next steps for BiH institutions this week in order to continue and accelerate the European integration process, Cvitanović said that our country should primarily appoint a chief negotiator with the EU, adopt several laws in the field of judiciary, strengthen the fight against corruption, and improve border management.

Cvitanović told that Bosnia and Herzegovina advocates for strengthening cooperation with all countries in the region and emphasized that the countries of the region can achieve much more together in enhancing regional cooperation, establishing green corridors and digitalization, as well as in clearly defining the role of parliaments in the European integration process.

The conference participants were also greeted by the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, and the Minister for European Integration of the Serbian Government, Tanja Miščević.

It is expected that the participants of the conference will conclude the two-day session by adopting a Joint Statement, in which they will reaffirm the commitment of the countries in the region to the EU enlargement and accession process, and emphasize the importance of this process as a mechanism for accelerating reforms, strengthening the market economy, the rule of law, and maintaining regional peace and stability—key conditions for EU membership. (end)