From promises, workers don't live: Deceived employees of NUBBiH say 'national library' is heading towards closure

(Patria) - The National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina (NUBBiH) is facing serious problems that threaten its operation. A month after discussions and promises from the Government of the Federation of BiH and attempts by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina to find an adequate solution, considering the urgency and specificity of the situation the library is in, not a single issue related to the establishment of a management structure, without which no institution can function, has been resolved - states the press release from the NUBBiH Employees' Council.

"The organization of the institution's work and the performance of basic functions are left to the Employees' Council and the collective itself, which raises questions about the legality of its operation. The failure to appoint management bodies (director, management board, and supervisory board) hinders the library's daily activities.

The institution's work processes that require cooperation with external partners, payment and disbursement of various claims, realization of contractual relationships within and outside the country, as well as oversight of the institution's work implementation, are blocked, and employees cannot exercise their employment rights.

Although the ruling structures in Bosnia and Herzegovina promise citizens a European path and promote European values, they are unable to solve the key problem of the 'national library'. The European Commission, in its latest report, emphasized the need for urgent resolution of the legal and financial status of cultural institutions, but domestic authorities at all levels are still not taking the necessary steps.

The lack of a management structure has brought the library to the brink of survival, and employees have become victims of this situation. If urgent action is not taken, there is a risk of the institution being shut down.

Unfortunately, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are witnessing a complete disregard for the importance of NUBBiH, which seriously jeopardizes citizens' access to scientific and cultural resources, the academic community, and future generations. The closure of NUBBiH would be a cultural and scientific catastrophe for our country, with far-reaching and irreparable consequences.

We appeal to all relevant institutions to immediately resolve the legal status of the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina and make a decision on its status within seven days; otherwise, the suspension of the library's operations will be inevitable. We call on the media to provide support in resolving this issue, as the closure of NUBBiH would be an irreparable loss for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as for our cultural identity - states the press release signed by Aldin Huskić, president of the NUBBiH Employees' Council.