The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Analena Berbok, stated that the countries of the Western Balkans are an inseparable part of Europe and that BiH is at a key crossroads in the process of accession to the EU, the German Embassy in BiH announced.
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“Last year, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations as soon as the criteria for that have been met. On the way to the EU, those responsible in Sarajevo must approach the necessary reforms step by step,” said Berbokova ahead of her visit to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to her, the adoption of the law on prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism was one such European reform step.
With regard to the October local elections, Berbokova stated that it is crucial to complete the reform of the Electoral Law with the electoral process integrity package, and added that free and fair elections are the foundation of a democratic society.
“We resolutely oppose all those who, with their fantasies about the secession of Bosnia and Herzegovina, put obstacles on the way to the EU and question European values,” added Berbokova.
She stated that the strong support of the six countries in the region on their way to the EU is a “geopolitical necessity in the light of Russian brutal imperialism”.
Berbokova added that they “can’t allow them to have gray areas anywhere in Europe”, and that “together they must do everything to close all parties that Russia can use for its policy of destabilization, disinformation and infiltration”.
“This means supporting the countries of the Western Balkans in strengthening their democratic institutions, improving their resilience and providing economic perspective to the people. As the EU, we have a common homework to put ourselves on the right path for the future while putting more chairs at the European table.” said Berbokova.
According to her, only together will it be possible to lay a solid foundation for peace, freedom and security in Europe.
When it comes to Montenegro, Berbokova stated that Podgorica has been an ally in NATO for years, and that in the process of joining the EU it set an ambitious agenda that it is now resolutely following.
She mentioned that in Podgorica it will also be discussed how Montenegro can make even better progress in the reforms of the rule of law and in the fight against corruption and organized crime and how it can be supported in this.