BiH submits application for EU membership

A general view of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in this December 28, 2015 file photo.[Photo/Agencies]

BRUSSELS -- Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) submitted its application for membership in the European Union (EU) here on Monday.

"This decision follows months of hard work by BiH leadership and, we believe, addresses the aspirations of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a day of celebration for all of us," said EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for enlargement negotiations Johannes Hahn in a joint statement.

"As some forces across our continent are questioning the very existence of our Union, BiH's application shows that the need of a united European continent is still strong among our peoples," it said.

The statement added that reforms improving economic growth and social justice, the rule of law and public administration need to be implemented in BiH.