Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, the Head of EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and EU Special Representative in BiH, announced here Tuesday that it is expected for the European Commission’s Questionnaire to be ready by the end of February.
He made the marks after the adoption of the decision on the EU Enlargement Strategy – Western Balkans in Strasbourg on Feb.5-6.
Ten years ago, there was an opportunity for BiH to make a progress, but it faced a standstill, however, the country managed to make a progress in the last three years.
“This country has made a significant progress over the past three years thanks to a new approach that was agreed three years ago exactly,” said Wigemark.
Wigemark added that it is expected from BiH to answer the European Commission’s (EC) Questionnaire by the end of February, after which the EC will proceed with the response rating.
He noted that the EU is generally against any deadlines regarding the EU accession, and that year 2025 is mentioned as indicative year for BiH in the EU Strategy. European Union (EU) Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn handed the EU questionnaire to the BiH government on the country’s readiness to join the bloc on Dec. 9, 2016.
The questionnaire assesses BiH’s economy, compliance with human rights, the rule of law and other obligations required of countries wishing to become EU member states.
On Feb. 15, 2016, BiH formally submitted its application to join the EU, which was accepted on Sept. 20, 2016.
ST