Soreca: Adopting the Reform Agenda is Just the Beginning!

By Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU Delegation to BiH

After a year and a half of discussions, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina has managed to submit the finalized Reform Agenda to the European Commission. This opens the door for significant investments within the Growth Plan. However, this is not the end of the process, but merely its beginning.

In her address to the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH last week, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasized that the EU is offering one billion euros in investments for the country's road infrastructure, cheaper energy sources, and better and faster internet. She clearly stated her desire for the entire amount to be spent for the benefit of BiH citizens.

However, she equally strongly noted that the amount allocated for BiH within the Growth Plan would be reduced by approximately 100 million euros if the Reform Agenda was not submitted by September 30, following an earlier reduction of a similar amount in July.

The document sent to Brussels just hours before the deadline is now under evaluation by the European Commission. After harmonization, Bosnia and Herzegovina can benefit from up to 976.6 million euros in EU financial support to stimulate investments, create jobs, and foster growth.

The Reform Agenda submitted to the European Commission is a comprehensive document confirming the capabilities and competencies of civil servants in BiH. It also indicates that political actors can reach mutually beneficial solutions when there is a will. BiH needs more of this constructive approach and less of the regular blaming and emotional posturing that is so detrimental to the country's interests.

We have consistently emphasized that the Reform Agenda represents a transformative plan for BiH. A truly incredible opportunity. The greatest reward is not the funds the EU provides, but the reforms themselves, which will improve the business climate and enable BiH to fully utilize the enormous talent and potential within this country.

Across Europe, we see people from BiH succeeding when given the right opportunities. We must create conditions for people to thrive at home as well.

Let's take, for example, the establishment of an e-government framework in BiH, one of the goals outlined in the Reform Agenda. One of the biggest complaints I hear from citizens and the economy alike concerns the time lost on administrative procedures. E-government will certainly improve investment conditions, as well as the quality of life for citizens.

Or, the goal of increasing the number of enrolled children in preschool education and ensuring greater internet access in schools? Given the rapid pace of technological development, the future economic success of any country depends on the skills and education of its citizens, starting from early childhood.

Another reform in the Reform Agenda will lead to the introduction of 5G networks, as well as more secure broadband internet, which is a huge potential boost for the country.

Other listed reforms will lead to financial support after achieving results in the fight against corruption, the fight against organized crime, and the efficiency and independence of the judiciary. A total of over a hundred reforms are planned, each of which will bring clear improvements to life in BiH.

After the domestic authorities implement the reforms, financial support will also be available for investments through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). The EU will no longer finance large infrastructure projects in BiH outside the Growth Plan. If BiH had not submitted the Reform Agenda, it would have been a major obstacle to financing infrastructure projects in BiH. BiH authorities have not yet submitted a list of projects for which they would like to receive financing under the Growth Plan, but potential investments include support for the completion of Corridor 5c highway or renewable energy projects.

Overall, we must not forget that BiH is at the heart of Europe, and we are stronger when we work together. Almost three-quarters of BiH's exports go to the EU. Less than 1% goes to Russia. It is clear that when it comes to any indicator, whether it is democracy, the fight against corruption, the rule of law, human rights, education, healthcare, infrastructure, or any other issue of genuine importance to citizens, a stronger relationship with the EU leading to EU membership is by far the best way to improve the quality of life for citizens.

Now that the first steps have been taken, let's work together to reach the goal.