BELGRADE, Serbia

Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession negotiations with the EU must begin while Belgium holds the six-month EU presidency, said a top Bosnian leader on Monday.

"Belgium is an important partner on Bosnia and Herzegovina's path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Therefore, the process of negotiations with the European Union must begin precisely at the time when … Belgium is presiding over the Council of the EU," said Denis Becirovic, the Bosniak member of the country's Presidential Council.

After meeting with Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, Becirovic said his country is trying to reconcile internal disagreements and harmonize its policy with EU policy.

He added that Bosnia monitors and supports the realization of all six priorities of Belgium's six-month EU presidency, which lasts through this June, listing: 'Defense of the principles of democracy and the rule of law, digitization and technological competitiveness, green transition, strengthening the social and health agenda, protecting people and borders and promoting a global Europe.”

According to a statement from Becirovic's Cabinet, Lahbib said that Belgium sees Bosnia and Herzegovina as an important partner in the Western Balkans.

EU Council President Charles Michel announced on March 21 that they decided to start accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina made its membership application in 2016, and received candidate country status in December 2022.