Education and Science, EU – Baltic States, Integration, Latvia, Legislation

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The Latvian Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for the positive direction taken in Bosnia and Herzegovina's negotiations with the EU, and welcomed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s presence among the South East European countries involved in the EU enlargement process. The Minister said that Latvia supports the integration of Western Balkans with the EU, and therefore, advances the enlargement processes on the grounds of individual merit and achievements of each country and the assessment of fulfilment of various criteria.

The Minister highlighted the development of a programme for initial reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in regard to socio-economic reforms and reforms to ensure the functionality of the state. If Sarajevo demonstrates visible progress with reforms, the EU will be ready to consider its membership application. The EU stands ready to provide further support in the process.

Edgars Rinkevics expressed satisfaction with the commitment made by the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 23 February to put in practice the reforms necessary for further integration with the EU, underpinned by determination to improve the functioning of political institutions at all levels of public administration, deal with socioeconomic matters, strengthen the overall administrative capacity, and ensure constitutional reforms.

Speaking about the security situation in the Balkans, Edgars Rinkevics highlighted the principle of NATO’s open door though doing the homework remains a prerequisite for closer integration and cooperation with NATO. Latvia is ready to share its European integration experience with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In view of the increasing terrorist threat in Europe and in the world, the Latvian Foreign Minister pointed out that it was vital for the EU to cooperate more closely with the Western Balkans countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, to counter the phenomenon of foreign fighters, as well as all types of radicalisation and violent extremism.

The Foreign Minister asserted that Latvia is open for promoting economic links between both countries. Latvia offers students from Bosnia and Herzegovina an opportunity to obtain higher education in Latvia.

The highest ranking politicians of Bosnia and Herzegovina expressed satisfaction at the opportunity for meeting with the Latvian Foreign Minister, which provides a positive stimulus to continue socio-economic, judicial and political reforms in the country and integration with Euro-Atlantic structures.

At the political level, the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of three members (one from each ethnic group), and the chairmanship rotates every eight months.