EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission made the following statement:

“According to the preliminary assessment of OSCE/ODIHR and their International Election Observation Mission for the general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the elections on 3 October proceeded generally in line with international standards. The EU welcomes the calm and smooth conduct of these 6th elections since independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also the turnout, which was the highest since 2002, is well noted.

The EU reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina and will continue to support it to this end. After 15 years of Dayton, Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people deserve a qualitative step forward towards the EU integration.

The EU calls upon the newly elected political leaders to revive constructive dialogue, step-up efforts on reform agenda and achieve real progress towards meeting requirements of EU integration. We urge for a prompt creation of the new institutions. The EU stands ready to cooperate with everybody committed to our joint goal: to put Bosnia and Herzegovina firmly on the way towards the EU.”