Austria backs Bosnia’s EU path during Van der Bellen visit

Members of the leadership of both houses of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PSBiH) held a meeting with the President of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, who is on an official visit to the country.

During the cordial and friendly meeting, the exceptionally close bilateral relations between the two countries were emphasized, grounded in deep historical, political, economic, and cultural ties, CE Report quotes FENA.

President Van der Bellen reaffirmed Austria’s strong and continuous support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path. He stressed that the future of the entire Western Balkans lies within the European Union and that Austria remains one of the most vocal advocates of enlargement.

Members of the collegiums of both houses of the PSBiH — Speaker of the House of Representatives Darko Babalj, Speaker of the House of Peoples Kemal Ademović, Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples Dr. Nikola Špirić, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr. Denis Zvizdić — informed the Austrian President about the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on fulfilling key conditions for opening accession negotiations with the European Union.

They particularly expressed gratitude to Austria and its President for their long-standing and significant support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, both politically and economically, noting that Austria has been one of the country’s largest investors for years. They emphasized that Austria is not only a partner but also a true friend that understands the complexity and potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In this context, both sides expressed a desire to further strengthen economic ties, especially in the sectors of infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and tourism. The issue faced by Bosnian transport operators within the Schengen area was also raised, along with the continued implementation of the agreement on free education for students from Bosnia and Herzegovina in Austria.

President Van der Bellen encouraged the parliamentarians to continue working on reforms that would advance the European integration process, deliver tangible benefits to citizens, and ensure a better future for younger generations.

Views were also exchanged on the situation in the region and Europe, with the assessment that a stable and functional Bosnia and Herzegovina is key to peace and stability across the continent, according to a statement from the PSBiH.

Foto/ Almir Razić