Sattler: The place of an independent, sovereign BiH is in the European Union

 Ambassador Johann Sattler, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Independence Day, published a column titled "The place of an independent, sovereign BiH is in the European Union". We publish it in full:

"Bosnia and Herzegovina today celebrates the 30th anniversary of its independence. Anniversaries are not only an occasion for celebration, but also an opportunity for reflection. Bosnia and Herzegovina is still a young country, but looking back, it has come a long way and we want to see it continue to progress towards the European Union.

This year's Independence Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina is being marked in the midst of a new geopolitical reality. While BiH celebrates its independence anniversary, another European country is fighting to preserve its own. The European Union stands firmly with Ukraine and its people. We deeply regret the tragic loss of human life, but we are also inspired by the resilience and courage of Ukrainians. The EU has adopted a wide range of measures in response to the invasion. Such measures ensure that President Putin pays a high price for his actions, and their aim is to weaken Russia's ability to wage war.

From those seeking EU membership, we expect them to be united with us on this issue. To recognize violations of international law, to recognize lies and disinformation, and to know that such actions are unprecedented. Faced with this aggression and obvious undermining of European peace and stability, there is simply no time for neutrality or balancing of interests.

The EU is determined to preserve peace and stability on the European continent. In Ukraine, just as in BiH. It is precisely for this reason that EUFOR has taken precautionary measures and deployed an additional 500 soldiers. Democracy, peace, diversity, equality and respect for human rights are the very essence of what the EU stands for. We will strongly defend these values in the face of evil. This is a painful but always important lesson we learned in the 1990s. We look back with sadness, but we are also determined not to repeat our mistakes.

BiH citizens clearly identify with these values, which is the main reason why they want to see BiH in the European Union. The politics of division denies them this. The unwillingness of political leaders to put the interests of citizens above their own means that the country is almost at a standstill. Not only socially or economically, but also on the path to the EU.

We are determined to support BiH in achieving the goal of EU membership, so desired by many in this country. The EU has invested hundreds of millions of euros to support reforms aimed at strengthening democracy, the rule of law and the economy. Being part of the EU entails economic growth, jobs and would overall facilitate the daily life of the population and the private sector. I call on political leaders not to delay a prosperous future in the EU, but to accelerate the reform path by focusing on reforms for a better life for the citizens of this country.

Across the country, people tell me in conversations that nothing can change and that the legacy of the past will continue to be an obstacle to a better future. But do not forget that the European Union was built on the foundations of concrete cooperation and solidarity among peoples, former opposing sides, but whose leaders showed a willingness for reconciliation and cooperation. On every trip I take around the country, I see the same thing in local communities, which only reminds me of the disappointing politics at the national level. Things can change if there is political will.

More than ever before, today we are witnessing a huge difference in values between those who want to protect and promote democracy, human rights and the sovereignty of independent nations in Europe, on the one hand, and those who want to destroy them, on the other. Let this anniversary be a reminder of what has been achieved and what future the citizens of BiH want and deserve. They expect their leaders to focus on stability, economic growth and the rule of law, and BiH in the EU. The European Union is ready to support citizens in these aspirations."