Op-Ed by Ambassador Peter Sorensen, Head of the Delegation of the EU/EU Special Representative, published in ‘Večernji list’
There is no better way to describe the EU perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina as ‘our joint EU future’. This is because it reveals a very simple truth. When Bosnia and Herzegovina joins the EU, its representatives will take their seats in the EU institutions. Its ministers will take a seat alongside those from the other Member States, in the Council of the European Union. Its MEPs will sit in the European Parliament. Its Commissioner will sit in the College of Commissioners. All alongside the fellow representatives from the other Member States. All equal.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will have its own seat at the table, in its own right.
It will have got there through its own efforts – and will be ready to assume the responsibilities of membership.
This vision is what motivates me, my staff and our colleagues in Brussels. It’s why we go to our offices every day. We want Bosnia and Herzegovina to succeed, to join the EU, and we believe it can.
It’s an appropriate moment to reflect on how Bosnia and Herzegovina can realise this vision. I believe that the key is partnership.
First, a partnership between the citizens and those in authority. An overwhelming majority of citizens of this country, around 75% want EU membership. That is a serious message for all officials and politicians. Citizens must hold those in office to account for what is done and not done to get the country closer to the EU. Officials and politicians must present and explain their efforts to the citizens.
Second, a partnership between the political forces and between the institutions at all levels. The fact is that EU membership is too big a goal to be done by one party or one ministry alone. Everyone must be involved – and all working in the same direction. This requires sincere co-operation and a strong desire and political will to reach agreements that will move the country forward.
Third, a partnership between BiH’s society and the EU. I have repeated on many occasions up and down the country that the EU is here to assist you. We do so in many ways. There is a reinforced office here with over 160 staff. Between 2007 and 2013 we will have allocated 660 million euro in financial assistance to the country. We have spent hours in meetings and committees with officials, leaders, civil society representatives. But this must and will be a ‘50-50 arrangement’. We will do our share – but we will never substitute for what BiH should do. That does not only mean politicians. It means that the media must play its part, the NGOs, the teachers…all of society.
The reason we will not substitute for BiH is related to the vision I described at the start. Your representatives have to sit at the EU tables with full capacity to act as an EU Member State. That’s simply not possible if the majority of the preparatory work has in fact been done by someone else.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has an unquestioned EU membership perspective. Citizens want it. We want you alongside us. Plus, the rest of the region is moving too: Croatia becomes the 28th Member State in July this year. Serbia and Montenegro are taking big steps.
There has never been a better time for strong partnerships in BiH. I hope that winners of Vecernjakov Pecat awards will be instrumental in building and maintaining them. Strong, active partnerships will build our joint EU future.
