SARAJEVO: Top EU officials say the Bosnian government's adoption of a plan of reforms is a crucial step forward on the country's EU integration path.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said in a statement on Tuesday that the adoption and swift implementation of the Reform Agenda — a document drafted in consultation with the EU and international financial institutions — is a precondition for Bosnia's membership application.

Bosnia's government adopted the reform plan on Monday. The plan addresses socio-economic issues and aims to decrease the 40 percent unemployment rate in the country.

Bosnia is far behind its neighbors on the path toward EU membership but the reforms, if implemented on schedule, could allow it to apply for candidate status in 2016.