Last year, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the EU. He underlined that while Hungary’s position only aligns with the Union on certain issues, both agree that the accession should become reality. The PM insisted that this should happen sooner rather than later, criticizing the EU’s slow progress regarding the process.

The European Commission now proposes to the Council, which comprises of the governments of the member states, to commence accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday in Strasbourg.

The President of the Commission stated during the plenary session of the European Parliament that

the Western Balkan country has become fully aligned with EU foreign and security policies within a year,

‘which is crucial in the current turbulent geopolitical times.’ Moreover, Sarajevo has adopted important laws targeting the prevention of corruption, money laundering, and financing of terrorism, she emphasized. She pointed out that the country is better managing migration flows, and the Ministry of Justice has been committed to ensuring that ‘the judgements of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia’ regarding crimes committed in the region will be included in the domestic criminal records. She highlighted that Bosnia ‘has taken impressive steps forward’, thus ‘more progress has been achieved in just over a year than in over a decade’. ‘Of course, further progress is needed for Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the Union, but the country will demonstrate its ability to meet the membership criteria,’ von der Leyen concluded.

Regarding the agenda of the upcoming summit of EU member states’ leaders, Von der Leyen discussed the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. She praised the international solidarity under the leadership of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, which has led to a humanitarian aid ship departing from the port of Larnaca towards Gaza.

‘If this maritime corridor becomes fully operational, it can guarantee a continuous, regulated, and robust flow of aid to Gaza. This could significantly contribute to ensuring that aid reaches the people living in northern Gaza,’ she stated. She reminded that the EU has offered €250 million in aid to Palestinians this year, which should be delivered to needy civilians, but she pointed out that under current circumstances, aid alone does not resolve the crisis. ‘Israel has the right to defend itself and combat Hamas.

However, civilian protection must always be ensured in accordance with international law.

Immediate humanitarian ceasefire is needed to restore the proper flow of humanitarian aid,’ she insisted.

In her remarks at the plenary, Fidesz MEP Kinga Gál drew attention to the need for the European Council’s leaders to address the situation of European agriculture at the summit next week. ‘This is not just a matter of policy or support; it is a far more important strategic issue that will have a lasting impact on the European economy and people’s lives,’ she emphasized.

According to Gál, it is also of strategic importance for Europe to take greater responsibility for its security. She stated that

Hungary supports the strengthening of European defence policy and the defence industry.

‘All this should be based on a European defence industrial base and should play a decisive role in the next institutional cycle, reflected both in structures and budgets,’ she highlighted. She also pointed out the importance of stopping illegal immigration at external borders for Europe’s security.

The Fidesz politician stressed that peace should finally come to the forefront in connection with the war in Ukraine, leading to ceasefire negotiations. ‘We condemn Russia’s aggression and stand up for the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We provide extra help to Ukraine with humanitarian aid, and we are convinced that efforts should be made to end the war as soon as possible, rather than expand it. Only peace can put an end to destruction,’ Kinga Gál nailed down.

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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/European Commission/MTI