New Approach Can Unblock BiH's Path to the European Union!

The European Union's new approach towards Bosnia and Herzegovina shows how Brussels wants to intensify relations with our country where possible, despite the paralysis of European integration due to the "Sejdić-Finci" issue, said Igor Davidović, BiH Ambassador to the European Union in Brussels, in an exclusive interview with the BiH news agency Patria NAP.

Davidović, one of the most active BiH ambassadors and former BiH negotiator with the EU on the Stabilization and Association Agreement, sees an opportunity for our country in this.

- The European Union has not given up on BiH, nor on the "Sejdić-Finci" issue. But, they are looking for another model to intensify relations in areas where it is possible. The implementation of the "Sejdić-Finci" ruling is within the jurisdiction of local structures, and that remains an obligation – says Davidović.

According to him, this new approach announced by EU Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle, which will focus on the economy, recognizes what has already been incorporated into the structures of BiH's relations.

- This will now be intensified. I personally believe that in every situation, an exit that is equally good for all parties must be found, and I don't see why we shouldn't strengthen economic relations with the EU and reconstruction and reforms where possible. Why shouldn't we do this with the EU and with their help, and persistently insist that IPA funds be used to their full capacity – he states.  

When asked how the recent failure in the "Sejdić-Finci" negotiations and Commissioner Füle's decision to withdraw were received in Brussels, Davidović points out that there is evident disappointment and concern.

- The concern of European institutions is evident, especially from the European Commission, and that is why it is possible that BiH will soon be back on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council. There is no new optimism, but everyone here is realistic, and that is why this new approach exists. There are various options and member states that are trying to initiate processes that will unblock European integration and BiH's path to the EU – he states.

Answering the question of how important the opening of dialogue on the judiciary, and this new economic dialogue, is for BiH when the country remains blocked without the possibility of officially applying for membership, Davidović says it is better to push for what is possible than to do nothing.

- I would be glad if, instead of conditioning one segment that blocks the entire package, we could move forward where we can – says Davidović.

According to his estimates, the European Parliament elections in May, and the general elections in BiH in October, will certainly negatively affect the dynamics of BiH's integration.

That is a very real problem. We have EP elections in May, then the procedure for a new commission, and that takes several months. During that time, we in BiH also have elections in October. I think we will spend a good part of the time getting acquainted with partners on both sides. I am convinced that the agenda will be the same, but the intensity might change. We will see what kind of approach the new European Commission will have towards EU enlargement – says Davidović.