Ivo Josipović's lecture in Zenica: Bosnia and Herzegovina can become an EU member

(Patria) - Ivo Josipović, former President of the Republic of Croatia and full professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Zagreb, held a lecture in Zenica today titled "QUO VADIS, EU? – An Alternative Future for the European Union".

The lecture was held in the amphitheater of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences of the University of Zenica, and the topics included: the future of the Western Balkan countries within the European Union, the future of the Union itself in the context of global geopolitical realignments, the challenges of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path to accession, and the experiences of the Republic of Croatia.

Professor Josipović was welcomed by the Prime Minister of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, Nezir Pivić, at whose invitation the former President of the Republic of Croatia visited Zenica. On that occasion, he attended the ceremonial academy on the occasion of March 1st – Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day at the Bosnian National Theatre and held a lecture for students and the interested public.

– We are pleased that a personality who has marked these regions with his political and intellectual activities is with us today. He is a person who is a sincere friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are especially pleased that we had the opportunity to host him at the ceremonial academy, but also to organize a lecture for our students and all interested citizens.

The topic of the European Union, the Western Balkan countries, and geopolitical relations is extremely important, and Professor Josipović is an excellent connoisseur of these issues. We truly enjoyed his presentation – said the Prime Minister of ZDK, Nezir Pivić.

Professor Josipović provided a historical overview of the reasons for the formation of the European Union, its successes, but also the challenges it faces, particularly addressing what concerns the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina the most – what is the future of the European Union and BiH's place in it.

– It is a generally accepted view that the countries of the region will become members of the European Union. The key challenge is fulfilling obligations, especially meeting European Union standards to qualify for membership.

Croatia went through a demanding path to membership, but the effort paid off, not just financially. Even during the negotiations, we became a more organized country and a better society. I am convinced that Bosnia and Herzegovina can achieve this – said Ivo Josipović.