EU membership key for economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The EU Info Centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina organised a panel discussion on the topic “Croatia’s experience and interest as the newest EU member state” with the Ambassador of Croatia to BiH, H. E. Mr. Ivan Del Vechio, in Tuzla on Monday 23 November 2015. Civil society representatives, the business community, academia and other local stakeholders participating in the discussion used the opportunity to garner valuable insights about Croatia’s EU integration process that will be applied in BiH along the country’s path towards joining the EU.

Ambassador Del Vechio emphasised the importance of the adoption of the EU Reform Agenda by the BiH authorities and thus their takeover of the accession process.

“In my view the adoption of the Reform Agenda as the most important step for the country since for the first time local authorities took over the ownership of the EU integration process of the country,” Ambassador Del Vechio said.

Among others, Ambassador Del Vechio pointed out the increase of direct foreign investments as one of the most important benefits of Croatia’s EU membership.

Answering questions from the audience, the Ambassador agreed that regional cooperation is crucial for the future development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its EU integration process.

“We, countries in the region, have to work together and use our advantages to create synergies, especially in the sector of transportation and tourism,” the Ambassador stated.

The Ambassador concluded the discussion by pointing out that the adoption of sectoral strategies should be one of the priorities of BiH authorities in order to utilise current and future EU funds available for BiH.

The event in Tuzla was the first of a series of panel discussions with EU Member States Ambassadors that the EU Info Centre will organise around BiH for civil society representatives, the business community, academia and other stakeholders involved in the EU integration process.

Europa.ba