Bosnia formally applies to become EU candidate

Bosnia formally applies to become EU candidate

He stated on the occasion that the country's key objective was "to join the EU and NATO - and therefore key temptations are ahead of Bosnia this year - the credibility on the path to EU and improvement of economic and social circumstances."

Dutch FM Bert Koenders, whose country currently presides over the EU and to whom Covic submitted the application, welcomed this act and "stressed that the EU Council of Ministers is fully committed to the accession of Western Balkan countries into the ranks of the Union," Beta agency reported.

He particularly emphasized his satisfaction over Bosnia-Herzegovina returning to the reforms necessary for European integration.

"The EU Council of Ministers considers tangible progress in implementing the reforms to be necessary for the European Union to consider granting (Bosnia) candidate status," he said.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn stressed that Bosnia-Herzegovina has made significant progress in preparing for the application, but added that this was "the beginning of a long road."

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the progress in European reforms was the result of Bosnia's hard work, "with your energy, and our energy in the EU, but above all thanks to your unity."

Mogherini added this was especially good news for people in Bosnia-Herzegovina, "who now can see that if leaderships in their country at all levels of government work together, then the goal can be reached," and that this was "an important message for the future of the country."