Soreca: Bosnia and Herzegovina's crisis cannot be resolved by Brussels or EUFOR, but by domestic institutions

(Patria) - The constitutional crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina was caused by the actions of the leadership of Republika Srpska, but it cannot be resolved by Brussels or EUFOR, but by domestic institutions.

This was stated in an interview for Nezavisne novine by the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Luigi Soreca.

- We cannot replace the domestic authorities. Laws are adopted in the legislative procedure, and the executive power implements them.

We are doing everything we can, sometimes I even think more than we should. Sometimes it really seems that the EU is doing more for BiH's European integration than the domestic authorities - emphasizes Soreca.

He pointed out the seriousness of the current political situation, especially in the context of the constitutional crisis and the stagnation in reforms.

He added that the international community, although ready to help, cannot and must not take on responsibilities that belong to domestic institutions.

- I am in Banja Luka together with 14 other ambassadors from EU member states. We visited Zenica, Sarajevo, Mostar, Tuzla, and today we are concluding the event in Banja Luka.

We are meeting with representatives of civil society, the academic community, students, high school students, and we will round everything off with a big concert at Kastel. The messages we bring are peace, unity in diversity, and cooperation - says Soreca.

He warns that Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing clear conditions that it must meet to achieve progress towards the European Union.

- Two laws in the field of judiciary and the appointment of the chief negotiator have not yet been resolved. How to conduct negotiations without a unified voice? We also have the Growth Plan - one billion euros for the citizens of BiH - which is conditional on progress - explains Soreca.

He specifically emphasizes that the EU remains open to BiH, but that domestic leaders must take responsibility.

- We are concerned about the constitutional crisis and the actions of the RS leadership. We call on them to return to focusing on EU integration - says Soreca.

When asked if the EU has a preference regarding the composition of the future coalition, he replied:

"No, the EU wants to see whoever BiH appoints. Whoever they choose as the chief negotiator - it is important that the focus returns to reforms. Currently, while others in the region are meeting and talking, BiH is lagging behind".

Speaking about the role of EUFOR, he explains that it is a military mission whose mandate is not to resolve internal political or legal disputes.

- The mandate of EUFOR is determined by the UN Security Council. The mission is focused on preserving a safe and stable environment, not on enforcing domestic laws or political intervention - notes Soreca.

He expressed serious concern about the state of media freedom and the civil sector, especially in Republika Srpska.

- We call on the authorities to refrain from legislative and institutional moves that limit freedom of expression and narrow the space for civil society action. We will monitor the situation and seek concrete answers from those responsible - he emphasizes.

And when asked what happens if Bosnia and Herzegovina does not meet the conditions by June, he says:

"There is no formal deadline, but it would be a shame to miss 18 months due to political stagnation. The conditions are minimal - two laws and one appointment. This can be resolved in a few days if there is political will".

- Contact between Brussels and domestic actors is constant. As soon as we assess that there are concrete steps, we will organize a new meeting. Also, I expect an upcoming visit from Commissioner Kos, which could give new impetus to BiH's European path - says Soreca.

He adds that the EU remains committed to the European future of BiH.

- However, we cannot and will not impose solutions. Citizens must demand accountability from their leaders. More than 70 percent of citizens still want EU membership. It is time for the authorities to start taking this seriously - concluded Soreca.