BiH adoption of reform agenda crucial step for integration path

 European Union (EU) officials on Tuesday said the adoption of the Reform Agenda by Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) authorities was a crucial step forward for the country's EU integration path.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn made the remarks in a joint statement.

The two officials said BiH authorities, in consultation with the EU and International Financial Institutions, agreed a concrete set of reforms, identified as an urgent priority for the country.

These reforms aim to address the legitimate socio-economic concerns expressed by the citizens of BiH and their demands for jobs and a better perspective.

"We expect that the country's authorities will now fully implement the Reform Agenda without delay. In this regard, the adoption of the Labor legislation will be an important first step," said the statement.

It said progress in the implementation of the Reform Agenda will also be necessary for the country's membership application to be considered as credible by the EU.

According to media reports, the BiH Presidency on last Thursday adopted what it described as a "Master Plan" for reforms.