The declaration is expected to be signed by the HDZ 1990, the HDZ BiH, the Party of Democratic Action, the Party of Democratic Progress, and the Serb Democratic Party. It has been jointly drawn up at meetings with representatives of the EPP and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The media speculate that the five parties could be the backbone of the government after a 2014 general election.
The three-page document consists of principles related to the need to build a state which would acknowledge the equal position of all three constituent peoples (Croats, Bosniaks and Serbs), provide a clear focus on EU integration, build a social market economy, work on the rule of law, and reinforce trust.
The declaration says the popular parties consider the well-being of "the three constituent peoples (in a union with others) and the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina as their obligation," and that they are firmly committed to Bosnia's EU integration.
"We aspire to a stable and efficient political system which will provide for the equality of all citizens and constituent peoples who live in Bosnia and Herzegovina."
The parties believe the biggest post-war crisis can be overcome and the prospect of EU membership opened.
"We are convinced that we can achieve the common good with Bosnia and Herzegovina's membership of the European Union and that our goals and principles can be achieved in that way. If we accept the challenges and use our potential, we can leave this political, economic and social crisis behind us."
The parties also call on respecting and preserving the cultural, ethnic, social and religious diversity of Bosnia's society, and on building a social market economy. They also support the establishment of the rule of law, free of any political influence.