Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić 15 October 2018 in Luxembourg attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.
Pejčinović Burić informed the Council about the situation after the elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The minister expressed concern over the fact that for the third time since the conclusion of the Dayton Peace Accords, the Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina were unable to elect their legitimate representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s presidency. She underlined the importance of amending Bosnia and Herzegovina’s election legislation in accordance with the decision of the Constitutional Court on the legitimate representation, which would ensure the equality of all the three constituent peoples in that country and ensure the election of legitimate representatives at all levels of authority. Given the importance of the issue, Pejčinović Burić proposed that the topic be added to the Council’s agenda as soon as possible.
The ministers also discussed the developments in Libya, with a focus on creating prerequisites for holding elections and the stabilisation of the country. With UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino, the ministers discussed the external aspects of migration. Pejčinović Burić said that Croatia advocated a strategic, comprehensive and integrated approach to the issue of migration. She also highlighted Croatia’s cooperation with Southeast European countries in that matter.
Due to the constantly worsening situation in the Central African Republic, the foreign ministers discussed the Union’s further efforts towards the stabilization, peace and development of that country. The Council adopted conclusions on the topic. The ministers also discussed the situation in Venezuela and its impact in the region, including on migration. They explored the possibility of offering humanitarian support as well as assistance in paving the way for a political process.
After the FAC meeting, Pejčinović Burić attended a ministerial meeting of the Eastern Partnership. The ministers discussed with partner countries (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova) the implementation of the 20 deliverables for 2020.