Soreca: BiH has huge potential, but it's like a Ferrari with the handbrake on

(Patria) - Head of the EU Delegation in BiH Luigi Soreca spoke tonight on Federal Television's Dnevnik D Federal Television about the stagnation on BiH's European path, lost funds from European funds, political blockades, and lack of reforms.

The Growth Plan, election year, and the attitude of domestic authorities towards obligations on the path to the European Union were also in focus.

At the beginning of the conversation, Ambassador Soreca commented on the statement by SDA leader Bakir Izetbegović about alleged dangerous developments in Banja Luka, saying that he has no such information.

- I had the opportunity to hear that statement from the SDA president, but I have no such information. I think we have probably entered the pre-election phase and we will hear more similar messages during that period - says Soreca.

He emphasizes that the European Union's focus is on stability and elections.

- We are working on preparing the ground for elections, including the introduction of electoral technologies, but my primary task remains bringing Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the European Union - states Soreca.

Speaking about the European path, he admitted that the process is slow and that political energy is lacking.

- The European Council gave the green light for opening negotiations with certain conditions, some of which have been met, but due to the crisis, political will and spirit have been lost - emphasizes Soreca.

He reminds that simple steps remain unfulfilled - two laws in the field of judiciary and the appointment of the chief negotiator are left.

- Unfortunately, none of that has been done. We were ready to launch the intergovernmental conference, but we were disappointed because there was no progress, and thus an important opportunity was missed - notes Soreca.

He believes that the focus of politicians is not on reforms, but on the campaign.

- After numerous meetings with politicians, I have the impression that their attention is focused on political bickering and preparations for elections - said Soreca.

However, he believes that this is not an excuse for stagnation.

- I often hear that we are in an election year, but for me, that is an excuse - we should not waste time - he stressed.

He specifically warned about concrete financial consequences.

- The European Union has offered more than one billion euros through the reform agenda, but due to delays, funds have already been reduced by 108 million euros.

Since the adoption of the reform agenda, we have not seen much action. I literally chased ministers to push this through, but I haven't seen anything significant done - said Soreca.

He emphasizes that losses could grow - if there is no action, there could be a further reduction of funds, even up to 400 million euros by the end of the year.

- It is necessary to sign and ratify two standard financial agreements, and these are not impossible requirements - stated Soreca.

When asked about responsibility for the stagnation, he says it exists at multiple levels.

- Everyone bears part of the responsibility, but some more, especially those who promote an anti-European narrative. Due to a lack of will, there are no decisions, and without decisions, there is no progress on the European path - these are Soreca's words.

Speaking about Euroscepticism, he warns about the influence of wrong narratives.

- Propaganda and disinformation affect public opinion, but facts show that 73% of citizens support EU membership, with over 50% of them in Republika Srpska - he said.

He emphasizes the sincerity of the European offer.

- We have no hidden interests - we believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina belongs to the European Union and that it is its natural path - he added.

He also touched upon the problem of BiH transporters in the EU.

- This is not just a security issue, but also an economic one, as 73% of exports go to EU member states - says Soreca.

He states that solutions are being worked on.

- In the short term, we are looking for solutions within existing rules, and in the long term, changes to legislation at the European level are needed. Authorities should talk to their neighbors - he stressed.

He also warned about the state of the public broadcaster.

- 22 million euros are allocated for the public service, but the funds are not being used because there is no progress in implementing the reform agenda.

I appeal to domestic institutions to find a solution. If it were to shut down, this would be the only country in Europe without a public broadcaster. The public service is the foundation of democratic processes - he states.

Finally, he vividly described the situation in our country.

- Bosnia and Herzegovina has huge potential, but it is like a Ferrari with the handbrake on - he said, adding that a solution exists.

- The European path and the reform agenda are the only way to release that brake and move the country forward - concluded Soreca.