EU HR/VP speech delivered at camp Butmir

(Check against delivery!)

Dear Major General,

Dear Soldiers,

Good morning everyone, 

It is good to be back in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EUFOR Althea helps secure Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future. I want to personally thank you all – our European troops and those from other countries – for what you do here. Your dedication and your professionalism are what makes this operation a success.

Across the world, peace and the international rules-based order are under threat. Challenges to territorial integrity cannot fall on deaf ears, not least in Europe itself.

That is why, when threats to the unity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina emerged, the EU responded swiftly. In March, we reinforced EUFOR Althea with extra troops.

It is why it is important that your annual exercise ‘Quick Response’ was a success. This proves your readiness and full operational capacity to deter threats to security.

And it is why I am pleased to announce that on Friday, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to renew the mandate of Operation EUFOR Althea. The world recognises that you keep Bosnia and Herzegovina safe.

30 years after the Dayton Peace Agreement, the European Union will keep doing everything we can to prevent any security vacuum in this country. We will not let history repeat.

Of course the hope we all share is that Bosnia and Herzegovina can move forward. The latest developments in the National Assembly of Republika Srpska are a chance to ease political tension. Free and fair presidential elections could restore trust in local authorities. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve a chance at stability and the space to breathe.

And that is also what joining the European Union will provide. It is the best guarantee of a brighter future for the country.

Windows for EU enlargement rarely open, but one is open now. Your political leaders have to grab this opportunity or the window of opportunity will close again.

After a year and a half of talks, last month the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina sent a Reform Agenda to the European Commission. This could unlock close to a billion euro, driving investments, creating jobs and boosting growth.

And every reform – be to strengthen democracy, fight corruption, or improve education and healthcare – will increase the quality of life for citizens. It is as simple as that.

Tomorrow the European Commission will present our annual enlargement report. I expect our recommendations for the year ahead will address these topics. Judicial reform laws and appointing a Chief Negotiator will be important.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is now only a few steps away from holding the first inter-governmental conference. But for this to happen, the country’s leadership need to keep reforms in their sights.

Dear Major General,

Dear Soldiers,

Thank you for welcoming me back so soon. Twice in six months is a sign of my personal support to you, and our belief that Bosnia and Herzegovina belongs in the European Union, with the rest of the European family.

Thank you once again.

EU in BiH	EU in BiH	EU in BiH
EU in BiH	EU in BiH	EU in BiH