A delegation of the Security and Defence Subcommittee of the European Parliament, led by its chair Anna Fotyga (ECR, PL), visited Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on 3-5 April 2018.
Against the background of the EU’s new Western Balkans strategy the delegation called upon all Bosnian political actors to regain the momentum of reform and to overcome the constitutional deadlock ahead of elections this autumn. They underlined that inflammatory, divisive talk and actions at this crucial political juncture will only lead to further set-backs on the reform path with negative consequences for the political and socio-economic situation and indeed the security of the people in BiH.
Mrs Fotyga stressed: “There is no bright future for BiH outside the European Union and NATO. Citizens are perfectly aware of this and demand tangible progress.”
Visiting EUFOR Althea, the EU’s longstanding and successful military operation in BiH, at its headquarters at Camp Butmir the defence MEPs praised the operation’s achievements, its contribution to stability and security in the region, as well as the excellent cooperation with NATO.
“EUFOR Althea makes a real difference for BiH, particularly in the areas of demining and ammunition disposal and storage. EU Member States should provide this crucial operation with the necessary financial and human resources to fulfil its important mandate”, said Mrs Fotyga.
During their visit MEPs met with BiH authorities, the EU Special Representative and Head of the EU delegation, the commander of EUFOR Althea, representatives of the international community and civil society. They discussed various aspects of the security situation in BiH, EU-NATO and regional security cooperation, as well as the multiple roles of the EU military operation.
The five-Member delegation, led by Anna Fotyga, the Chair of the Subcommittee, was composed of Cristian Dan Preda (EPP, RO), Standing Rapporteur on BiH, Tonino Picula (S&D, HR), Chair of the Delegation for Relations with BiH and Kosovo, Angel Dzhambazki (ECR, BG) and Bodil Valero (Greens, SE).
