SARAJEVO, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), on Wednesday delivered here the European Commission's opinion on the country's membership application.
The opinion stated that BiH is overall at an early stage regarding its level of preparedness to take on the obligations of EU membership and needs to significantly step up the process to align with the EU acquis and implement and enforce related legislation.
According to the opinion, BiH should also strengthen the prevention and fight against corruption and organized crime, including money laundering and terrorism, as well as ensure the effective functioning of border management, migration and asylum systems.
Regarding economy, the report said that BiH has achieved a certain degree of macroeconomic stability.
The Commission's opinion was handed to the Chairman of BiH Presidency Milorad Dodik, and two presidency members Sefik Dzaferovic and Zeljko Komsic.
Wigemark said at a press conference that 14 priorities were identified in the areas of democracy and functionality, rule of law, fundamental rights and public administration reform.
"Above all, progress in the rule of law is a must," Wigemark highlighted, explaining that the country needs to improve the functioning of the judiciary and that citizens deserve a fully independent and professional justice system that can work effectively.
Wigemark noted that the EU will continue its support to BiH with the allocation of more than 180 million euros as financial assistance for 2019-2020.
On Feb. 28, 2018, BiH handed the answered EU accession questionnaire to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.
Based on the answers, the opinion included an in-depth analysis explaining the extent to which BiH presently meets EU standards.
