“After decades we finally succeeded in granting Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status. It is not so much about how big Slovenia's role was, but how great the hope is that the EU's decision gives to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the meantime, they have lost hope of a European perspective. In this respect, the President of the Republic is definitely the most eminent political figure in the region, as his efforts have always inspired hope,” stressed the Prime Minister in a joint statement with President Pahor.

He announced that a visit to Sarajevo is planned in January, “where we will extend to Bosnia and Herzegovina and its authorities all the technical and development assistance that Slovenia can offer as a country that successfully completed the accession process.” According to Prime Minister Golob, Slovenia’s aim is to facilitate the talks and planned changes and reforms for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Slovenia will then be able to spread the good word of progress to the rest of the EU at the European Council meetings.

The agreement of EU leaders comes after Ukraine and Moldova were granted candidate status for EU membership in June this year. The Slovenian government and diplomacy seized this historic moment to draw the Union's attention to the European perspective of the Western Balkans. At the June European Council meeting, they brought Bosnia and Herzegovina out of European oblivion, and their efforts have translated into concrete actions on the part of the EU and its Member States. Slovenia has succeeded in securing the agreement of all 27. According to the Prime Minister, it was essential to convince the EU Member States to adopt a slightly different approach and not to repeat what had not borne fruit for twenty years or more.

The Prime Minister thanked Slovenian diplomacy and all those who have contributed to this historic agreement, and wished the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina a warm welcome on their European journey.