European Union (Definition of Treaties) (Stabilisation and Association Agreement) (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Order 2010

My Lords, as we have heard, the purpose of the order is formally to give parliamentary approval to an EU stabilisation and association agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The order that ratifies the SSA will provide enhanced co-operation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU. The agreement was signed on 16 June 2008. It covers a wide range of agreements, including accession to the WTO, promoting further regional co-operation and fostering fair trade between Bosnia and Herzegovina and its neighbours, some of which are already undertaking similar processes. There are additional measures on co-operation to combat terrorism; on border and visa controls; on assistance to support democratic, economic and institutional reform; and generally to help the country to conform to EU standards. This country has declared its interest in joining the European Union and is now recognised by the EU as a potential candidate for membership. We on these Benches agree that the SAA offers a powerful incentive for change. We hope that it will build towards peace and stability in the area. Bosnia has made remarkable progress since the end of the war. However, although it is no longer on the verge of armed conflict, it remains deeply divided, especially politically. There is still serious conflict over the nature of the state and the role of the international community. Bosnia has a significant way to go to provide better governance and services to its citizens. The SAA is not the most controversial treaty on European matters. I doubt that the order will face much, if any, strong opposition. However, if the order is passed, it will represent an agreement to which the United Kingdom will be party. Bearing this in mind, I have a few probing questions for the Minister. Last month, Republika Srpska passed legislation to enable it to hold a referendum on secession. It has also attacked the work of impartial international judges and prosecutors in Bosnia. Undoubtedly, one factor that would most help the political stabilisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina would be the full co-operation of its neighbours, both Serbia and Croatia. What more could Her Majesty’s Government do to demonstrate to Republika Srpska that secession will not be tolerated by the international community? What are Her Majesty's Government doing to improve the authority of the international judges and of the Office of the High Representative? Does the Minister support the view that, although Bosnia and Herzegovina still has much work to do, it should be supported in its desire to join NATO? If so, what are HMG doing to encourage EU members to work with them on their NATO membership conditions? Given Bosnia's background, the positive measures contained in this SAA will unfortunately be in danger of being held hostage in a fragile political environment. These difficulties could increase in the run-up to the elections planned for October this year. Will the Minister say what plans are in place to make certain that the elections in October operate fairly and peacefully? Will he assure us that there are no plans to remove EUFOR at least until the next Bosnian elections in October 2010? The agreement aims to encourage free trade between the EU and Bosnia, and between Bosnia and its neighbours. Will the Minister tell the Committee what progress has been made in facilitating this, in the context of moving towards an overall free-trade area? Finally, will the Minister tell us why the SAA is being ratified only now, when the agreement was signed in 2008? What implications will this agreement have for visa and immigration arrangements?