Offerman wrote to city council members: You are questioning an international project with CERN if you adopt the Spatial Plan 'Quadrant C – Marijin Dvor'

(Patria) - Ahead of the 10th session of the City Council of Sarajevo on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, which includes the Proposal for a Decision on the Adoption of the Spatial Plan "Quadrant C – Marijin Dvor" with the Proposal for a Decision on the Implementation of the Spatial Plan "Quadrant C – Marijin Dvor" on its agenda, city council members received a letter from Edmond Offerman of the "Three Physicists" Foundation. Offerman is also the largest individual donor for the construction of the Trebević cable car and a great friend of Sarajevo. The "Three Physicists" Foundation has invested significant funds in a project being realized at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of UNSA, and its further realization will be halted if the proposed Spatial Plan is adopted.

The Senate of the University of Sarajevo also sent a letter to the city council members and warned about the harmfulness of adopting the proposed spatial plan, which will endanger the safety of students and usurp the property of the University of Sarajevo.

The Cantonal Organization of SDA Sarajevo has also announced a press conference for tomorrow regarding this issue.

The University of Sarajevo provided a translation of the letter sent to the city council members by Offerman, which we are publishing in full.

"Dear Members of the City Council of Sarajevo,

I am writing to you regarding an issue that is of serious concern to me, Edmond Offerman. We, the "Three Physicists" Foundation, have invested significant financial resources in the development of an international research program in cooperation with CERN from Geneva. This project will be realized at the University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

This is an ambitious and promising project. Its realization will begin with the establishment of an ion source laboratory, with planned expansion into areas such as the production of radioisotopes for cancer treatment and research in materials science. Such development will further enhance the reputation of the University of Sarajevo as a research institution and stimulate the development of high-tech industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The initiative is being developed under the supervision of the Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and CERN.

I recently learned that the years-long efforts invested in this project could be jeopardized by the proposal contained in the spatial plan proposal "Quadrant C – Marijin Dvor".

The City Council is already aware of the objections that the Senate of the University of Sarajevo has raised through an open letter. The Senate has clearly explained its positions, and I wish to further highlight a few key points.

If the Council adopts the plan in its current form, the construction of a public road and parking space would lead to the suspension of the international research program. So far, our foundation has invested 4.5 million euros, and additional investments are planned. We presented our vision for future development to Prime Minister Nihad Uk, but we were never informed that the university property in question could be repurposed for non-academic purposes.

This situation raises serious concerns about how the Sarajevo Canton manages the property of the University of Sarajevo. The "Three Physicists" Foundation is dedicated to supporting education and research; however, the events described have forced us to engage in this political process.

It has been, and remains, unacceptable for the government sector to usurp the competencies of the University Senate. Now, there is an additional concern that property is being sold to investors for projects lacking a credible vision for the development of the City of Sarajevo, reminiscent of corporate takeover tactics from the post-Yugoslavia era.

I call on the City Council not to adopt the "Plan Quadrant C – Marijin Dvor" in its current form. I also recommend that politically independent actors be involved in its revision process.

Regardless of the Council's decision, I want to clearly state that the "Three Physicists" Foundation fully supports the Senate of the University and will do everything in its power to support its demands.

Sincerely,

On behalf of the Three Physicists Foundation,

Edmond Offermann.