Germany backs Bosnia's sovereignty, EU integration efforts, Chancellor Scholz says

Speaking in Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized Germany's position on the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Meeting with BiH President Denis Becirovic during his official visit to Germany, Scholz stated that any attempt to threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina is unacceptable for Germany and that the security and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina is crucial for the Balkans.

Scholz emphasized the importance of stability in the Balkans and underlined the need for active engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Furthermore, Scholz expressed his support for High Representative Christian Schmidt's efforts to promote democracy, the rule of law and the integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the basis of the implementation of the Dayton Agreement.

Regarding regional cooperation, Scholz emphasized the importance of the Berlin Process and encouraged Bosnia and Herzegovina to ratify the mobility agreement and adopt the declaration on energy issues.

Scholz also emphasized the importance of solidarity with Ukraine in the midst of the Russian war and expressed hope for joint action against Russian aggression.

Bosnia's EU path: A new chapter

Scholz highlighted the importance of the EU's decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting that this opens a new chapter and inspires hope for European integration.

Underlining the importance of this decision as a clear signal to pro-reform forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region, Scholz called for decisive and rapid progress on the necessary reforms.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Scholz affirmed the benefits of reform efforts for the candidate countries, referring to the economic prosperity and increased opportunities that come with EU membership. 

"I have confirmed the support of the German government to Bosnia and Herzegovina on this path," he added, reiterating Germany's commitment to support Bosnia and other countries in the region on their path toward European integration.

In his response, Denis Becirovic emphasized Germany's long-standing friendship with Bosnia and Herzegovina and the deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.

Underlining the challenges posed by pro-Russian elements in his country, Becirovic emphasized the importance of protecting institutions such as the Office of the High Representative and the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina applied for membership on Feb. 15, 2016, and was granted candidate status on Dec.15, 2022. EU leaders approved the start of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina in March.

UN Resolution on Srebrenica

Becirovic also discussed the proposed U.N. resolution on the Srebrenica genocide and expressed gratitude to Germany for protecting the truth about Srebrenica. 

"I expressed my deep respect and gratitude to Scholz and Germany for preserving the truth about Srebrenica. The truth has also been established by the highest U.N. courts," he stated.

This was the second meeting between Becirovic and Scholz in the last five months, signaling the ongoing engagement between Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Türkiye's stance on Bosnia's EU path

Türkiye, as a Balkans country itself, has long advocated the integration of Balkan countries into the EU and Euro-Atlantic institutions and actively works to promote peace and prosperity in the Balkans.

Türkiye welcomes the EU's decision to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and sees this as a positive step toward enhancing peace and stability in the region.

By supporting such efforts, Türkiye demonstrates its commitment to fostering cooperation in the Balkans, which will benefit all nations concerned.

Source: Newsroom