Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 January 2013
53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to advance the accession application of Bosnia during the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4838/13]
View answerEU enlargement is a priority for the Irish Presidency, and we will work to facilitate and advance the process for all candidates and prospective candidates. This commitment was demonstrated earlier this month when my colleague the Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton T.D., hosted representatives of the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as representatives from other candidate and potential candidate countries, in Dublin for discussions on the EU and the enlargement process. Ireland fully supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective. It should be recognised, however, that the accession process is based on conditionality. The reforms required in order for Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit a credible EU membership application are laid out in the roadmap agreed at the High Level Accession Dialogue with the EU in June 2012. These include reaching political agreement on changing the Constitution in line with the Sejdic-Finci ruling of the European Court of Human Rights, the establishment of an effective coordination mechanism for engagement with the EU, and reforms in the areas of justice and the rule of law.
Unfortunately the targets and deadlines of the roadmap have not been met. The lack of progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing reforms, especially when compared with its neighbours, is a matter for real concern. As a supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective, I would urge the government, political leaders and citizens of that country to work together to reinvigorate the reform process.
The Irish Presidency does not have a direct role to play in the EU’s relationship with Bosnia and Herzegovina – this is now the responsibility of High Representative Ashton and the European External Action Service – but we will do everything in our power to encourage movement on the country’s path to EU integration. However, we must recognise that while we can encourage political leaders to continue their efforts; the EU cannot impose a solution. It is ultimately up to the Government and the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to work to implement reforms and achieve the necessary progress for the country to realise the next steps on its EU path.
