SARAJEVO, May 13 (Xinhua) -- European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday called for joint political efforts to advance Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) progress toward European Union membership.
Speaking at a joint press conference with BiH presidency members in Sarajevo, Costa highlighted the need to approve two key judiciary laws, appoint a chief negotiator, and adopt a reform agenda. These steps are part of the 14 priorities set by the European Commission for BiH's EU accession.
Costa warned that missing current opportunities could carry a high cost for BiH citizens, noting they are the only ones in the region not yet benefiting from the EU Growth Plan.
Zeljka Cvijanovic, the Serb member and current chairwoman of the BiH presidency, acknowledged the country's challenges and urged the EU to better understand BiH's internal complexities and respect its institutions.
She welcomed Costa's visit and reaffirmed BiH's commitment to European integration.
Costa will continue his regional tour with visits to Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania. ■
