Europe Day Gala Concert

On the evening of 9 May 2007, the BiH Presidency, members of all levels of government and the diplomatic corps, along with many other honoured guests, gathered in the BiH Parliament for a gala concert performed by the “Youth Symphony Orchestra South Eastern Europe”. The event was broadcast live on BHT as part of a 90-minute programme which included interviews with BiH leaders attending the concert and information on the history of the EU.

The concert was hosted by Dr. Nikola Spiric, Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, who addressed the assembled guests. He said that “…The entire Europe celebrates today. Bosnia and Herzegovina is also celebrating and in that way confirming its committment to the idea of Europe and its dedication to all European values and principles. … However, Bosnia and Herzegovina must also be fully aware of its flaws which are currently preventing it from joining the European family. … Great changes must happen in our heads. The only thing that will lead us to Europe is weakening of nationalism, and the main precondition and task we need to undertake to achieve that is to build democratic spirit and establish the general unity of interests. … Reconciliation and dialogue are two key categories that should never cease to be valid in our country and it is only with common forces and interests, with a lot of mutual respect, that we will move towards a happier, European future.”

Ambassador Dimitris Kourkoulas, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to BiH, spoke about the meaning of Europe Day and the EU’s commitment to further enlargement, stating that it is up to BiH to determine the speed at which it advances toward Europe. His full speech is available below.

The orchestra, conducted by Sinisa Markovic, played Joseph Haydyn’s Concert for Flute and Orchestra in D Major, with Ambassador Ney, former Deputy-High Representative, playing as soloist. This was followed by four movements from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

 

SPEECH BY AMBASSADOR DIMITRIS KOUKOULAS ON THE OCASSION OF EUROPE DAY

(Transmitted Live on BHT)

9 May, or “Europe Day”, is the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. Speaking in Paris in 1950, just 5 years after the most brutal war Europeans ever fought against each other, Robert Schuman, then Foreign Minister of France, proposed a new form of political arrangement for Europe, whose aim was to make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.

His vision and foresight were confirmed earlier this year when we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

The European Union has been a historic success. It has brought the longest period of uninterrupted peace and an unparalleled level of prosperity to its people. What began as a club of six is now home to 27 countries and almost half a billion people. 

The success of the European Union has grown out of a particular form of regional cooperation which has developed hand in hand with a deeper commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Integrating new members was part of the vision from the beginning. The EU’s success has made it into a powerful magnet for many European countries, including BiH.

From our side, we are constantly reconfirming our commitment to future enlargement, and as a concrete proof of this commitment we are providing substantial technical and financial support towards this goal.

We are working together with the BiH authorities to move ahead. But the pace of the progress towards the EU depends only on BiH and its own efforts; it cannot, should not, and will not be imposed from the outside.

It is clear however that the recent evolutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not satisfactory. We are concerned about the deterioration of the political climate and return of the nationalistic rhetoric. This situation has brought all reform processes to a standstill.

We could waste our time in apportioning blame and analysing why there is only limited progress, but this would not help anyone.

The people of the Western Balkans have to move forward from conflicts and destructive nationalisms of the past, opting for democracy, reform and regional cooperation. Reconciliation must be a priority, not least by bringing those indicted of war crimes to justice.

Bosnia and Herzegovina appears to be going in the opposite direction to what we all hoped for when we started the SAA negotiations.

This country has a clear European perspective and all 27 Member States are committed to your European perspective. All 27 member states have already endorsed the text of the SAA agreement which is ready for conclusion as soon as the necessary reforms are agreed by the leaders of BiH.

It is now upon the BiH side to find the practical solutions to the current problems.

The founders of the European Union had to deal with similar challenges 50 years ago and found the solution in European integration. There is no reason why BiH and the Western Balkans cannot follow the same path. My wish for Bosnia is that it embraces the message of hope carried out by the Union that we are celebrating today by commemorating the Schuman declaration.

I would like to conclude on another positive note, on a concrete example of regional cooperation that produces magnificent results.

I am talking about our orchestra.

The Youth Symphony Orchestra of South East Europe joins us again this year with its boundless energy and enthusiasm to create delightful music. They will perform the fifth symphony of Beethoveen. By choosing a glorious European and German composer we also wanted to pay tribute to the contribution of Germany and the German Presidency to the European integration. Thank you Ambassador Michael Schmunck and thank you Dr. Schwarz Schilling for all you are doing for this country.

Before giving the floor to them, I want to thank you all for making this evening very special.

Europa.ba