Public companies with the prefix 'Croatian' and the addition HZHB in their name must be renamed!

(Patria) - In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, public companies bearing the name "Croatian" are causing controversy and sparking discussions about the need for their renaming. The reason for this lies in the historical context of their founding and their connection to the Croatian Community of Herceg-Bosna (HZHB), which has been finally convicted as a joint criminal enterprise.

Another reason for renaming these institutions is the fact that the ethnic label "Croatian" grants exclusivity to the Croatian people in FBiH, while at the same time they enjoy constitutional rights in public companies that do not have the prefix "Croatian".

A third reason is certainly our country's path towards the European Union, where there is no place for ethnic and similar exclusivities in any society or state. The fact that two decades after these companies were taken over by the Government of FBiH, they still carry an ethnic prefix clearly indicates that war policies and goals have not been abandoned, but are merely waiting for a new time.

Historical Context

The Croatian Community of Herceg-Bosna was founded in 1991 as a political and territorial organization of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war. However, its founding and operational character led to numerous war crimes and ethnic cleansing, for which many of its leaders were convicted at the Hague Tribunal. Verdicts against HZHB leaders, including Jadranko Prlić, Bruno Stojić, Slobodan Praljak, and others, highlighted this organization's participation in a joint criminal enterprise aimed at creating an ethnically homogeneous Croatian territory within BiH.

Public companies bearing the name "Croatian" were founded during the existence of HZHB or were taken over and renamed during that period. Examples include companies in various sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and transport. Although many of these companies are now owned by the FBiH, their names still carry associations with a dark period of Bosnian and Herzegovinian history. Maintaining these names can be interpreted as glorification or at least disregard for the criminal character of HZHB.

For example, the Public Enterprise Elektroprivreda still has "Hrvatske zajednice Herceg Bosne" in its name, which is unacceptable.

Ethnic Sensitivity

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with a complex ethnic composition and deep war wounds. Maintaining the names of public companies associated with one nation can be perceived as exclusivity and insensitivity towards other nations. In the context of reconciliation and building a common future, it is important that the symbolism and names of public companies are inclusive and do not cause division.

Changing the names of companies would send a strong message about the commitment to inclusivity and togetherness.

Moral Basis

The fact is that the founder of companies that today carry the prefix "Croatian" is a convicted criminal enterprise. Therefore, a moral basis exists. Also, the fact is that the structure of management staff and employees in these companies is absolutely supported by the Croatian people, which is discrimination against others living in the Federation of BiH. Likewise, it is clear that companies with the prefix "Croatian" are also under political control, meaning the exclusive right of management of the Croatian Democratic Union. And for some reason, this is not questioned at all.

Renaming companies can have a positive impact on the economy and social cohesion. Companies with inclusive names can better represent all citizens and attract a wider customer base. However, this clearly does not concern politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in FBiH, much, so three decades after the end of the war, the economy is still treated as the exclusivity of one ethnic group.

This issue requires a serious approach and political will to make changes that will contribute to a better future for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Only in this way can Bosnia and Herzegovina move forward, ensuring that all citizens in this country feel equally welcome and recognized.

(R.Belko)