Ireland remains strongly supportive of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of its efforts to become a member of the European Union. Through the enlargement process, the EU has set out the reforms that are needed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have underlined that these measures are not just necessary for the country to advance towards EU membership, but that they are also in the interests of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The necessary actions include political, constitutional and economic reforms, as well as a sustained effort to tackle organised crime and corruption. The EU has consistently called on the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to work together to undertake the necessary reforms, in the interests of their citizens. I would support and reiterate that call. Minister Donohoe, when he visited Sarajevo in January, delivered this message clearly.
The EU will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina as it embarks on reforms. For instance, Commissioner Fule, in a recent visit to Sarajevo, confirmed that the EU will expand its Structured Dialogue with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Justice to include the fight against corruption. The Commission has also launched a new initiative to focus on better economic governance in the Western Balkans. Bosnia and Herzegovina should be among the first countries to benefit from this approach. Finally, the EU will also work more closely with Bosnia and Herzegovina on fully utilising the funding already allocated from the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-Accession. I would, however, reiterate the point that I expressed to the Deputy in reply to her Parliamentary Question last week: the solutions to the issues affecting the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina must come from within the country itself. The EU cannot impose remedies from outside.
