Key themes in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU integration in the spotlight

Second day of the International Economic Fair in Mostar, Wednesday 10 April.


The public’s interest in EU membership and its impact on business was clear from the  nearly 100 people who attended round table discussions on ‘The Implications of Croatia’s Accession for Bosnia and Herzegovina’ held at the EU’s exhibition stand on Wednesday 10 April.


“It’s a challenge for the country but also an opportunity,” was a frequently repeated comment by speakers during the discussions, with great expectations also expressed about potential investments from Croatia in helping to create jobs in BiH.


The main focus  of the event was how to respond to challenges of Croatia’s accession – first and foremost introducing higher European standards that would allow for export of certain BiH goods to the Croatian market from July 1st, with opportunities  opening up for export to the whole Single  Market of 500 million  consumers.


Business leaders and top civil servants also discussed how to attract new foreign investors in BIH, willing to take advantage of CEFTA markets access, lower labour and energy costs, BIH natural resources and free trade agreement with Turkey. They called for further business climate improvements in BiH, vocational education reform and more focus on  the  problems SMEs face in financing their growth.
Head of the European Integration section of the Delegation of the EU to BiH Jurgis Vilcinskas underlined that while “EU membership perspective looks like a Mount Everest to climb, involving 200.000 pages of acquis, major restructuring of judiciary and confrontation with corruption and crime. In the end – it is do-able, as Croatia’s example shows.”


He also stressed that “the EU remains firmly committed to supporting BiH’s progress towards European Union as it slowly makes economic and rule of law reforms. However, the EU will not offer any shortcuts or discounts. Bosnia and Herzegovina, like all other aspirant states, will have to adjust to the European Union requirements and standards.”


The afternoon session witnessed also a lively debate on the promotion of  women’s  entrepreneurship and women’s access to employment. 12 participants including the economy, tourism and environment ministers, the gender equality agency and gender equality centres, representatives of  the business community and chambers of commerce, analyzed the obstacles faced by entrepreneurs and by women entrepreneurs in particular. Ongoing initiatives such the award of women entrepreneurs prizes,  training and networking were presented. The need to ensure access to credit, to lower red tape and to activate existing funds available to  promote women employment were underlined.  Participants expressed their appreciation for the renewed  EU  focus on gender equality in  Bosnia and Herzegovina and wished to be informed on  EU initiatives to promote SMEs and investments. Gender equality is seen as an important part of the European vision and should be shared and developed by any country wishing to join the EU.


If there an unofficial micro opinion poll could be said to exist, then the European Union ‘corner’ at the Mostar Economic Fair is serving in that capacity. With many young people picking up information material about the EU, they are demonstrating their interest in the European path for BiH. Overall, it was clear from direct conversations with visitors to the EU ‘corner’  that the people of BiH wish to join the EU,  and  that they do not feel that the country’s progress on the EU integration agenda is moving fast enough nor is being prioritised by the country’s leaders. 


The EU stand will host a further workshop, focused on IPA funds, on Friday 12 April at 11am.

Europa.ba