Ferguson: Political leaders know reforms are needed, and public pressure is increasing

The EU Foreign Affairs Council on Monday decided to activate the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Bosnia and Herzegovina, seven years after it was signed. This is a big deal. For seven years, this country has been standing still on its European path. Now it is moving forward again, and that is a reason to celebrate, according to a blog post by British Ambassador Edward Ferguson, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

The trigger for the activation of the SAA is the adoption of a joint statement on the implementation of reforms by the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, prepared by the BiH Presidency. Their leading role in this process was crucial, and they deserve recognition for successfully drafting and agreeing on a text that received the support of all fourteen leaders of political parties represented at the state level.

Therefore, the activation of the SAA represents a major success for the European Union's new approach to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as for the British-German initiative on which it is based. I am pleased and happy that we have found a way to create positive political momentum and shown that if Bosnia and Herzegovina fulfills its part of the obligations, we will fulfill ours.

Skeptics will quickly react and say that the joint statement is just a statement. That is true, but statements are important.

Political leaders have underlined their commitment to respecting the Constitution, the General Framework Agreement for Peace, the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

They have confirmed their commitment to the principles, values, and goals on which the European Union is based.

And they have promised to implement an ambitious reform plan designed to stabilize the economy, create jobs, improve government efficiency, accelerate the reconciliation process, strengthen the rule of law, and enable the fight against corruption.

It is important to remember that it is not only political leaders who have made commitments. We have always clearly emphasized that we want the democratic institutions of this country to take the lead in implementing the reform plan. And they have done so. We expect parliaments and representatives to play a key role, along with citizens, in holding governments accountable for their successes and failures.

What would successful implementation of the joint statement mean?

First of all, the commitment to respecting the Constitution and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina means that political leaders will have to work with the country as it is, not fantasize about a different one. No new maps will be drawn in the Balkans. It is true that your political system is complicated and inefficient, but at the end of the day, that is just an excuse. If leaders want to change things, it can be done.

Second, the commitment to European values means accepting the principles of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. This includes key ideas such as the right to a fair trial, the right to practice religion of one's choice, and the right to freedom of expression. These values are important because they can help strengthen the diversity of society, protect vulnerable groups, and promote and strengthen reconciliation.

And finally, we need to see how governments implement the promised socio-economic reforms. This means shifting, at least temporarily, away from issues that cause divisions and have been central to political discussions in recent years.

I am not naive; I know that many initiatives have failed in the past. Some people would very much like to maintain the status quo. Political and ethnic divisions have not disappeared. The formation of government at the state and Federation of BiH level is taking too long. We are already witnessing the interruption of the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH and attempts to return the conversation to political issues that have prevented progress in the past. And the increased pressure on free and independent media is a cause for concern.

But despite all this, I am optimistic. All the political leaders I speak with recognize the need for reforms. Public pressure is increasing. And frankly, the global environment with increasing challenges and competition means there is no other choice but to work together to strengthen this country, politically, economically, and socially. We have seen that the RS Government has already adopted the first set of economic reforms, and the future Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH is already talking about his ambitious plans.

So, I hope and believe that real progress will be made in the coming months and years. I look forward to a new era of real political leadership and improved cooperation between different levels of government, and I believe that the public will support those who are willing to try to create a better future for themselves and their children. And as always, the United Kingdom, along with our EU partners and the wider international community, will be there to support you. We want you to succeed. And we believe you will.