Sorensen: BiH deserves a place in the EU

Farewell op-ed by Ambassador Peter Sorensen, who is soon leaving BiH, was published on the official website of the EU Delegation in BiH, and was originally published in Oslobođenje, Dnevni list, and Nezavisne novine, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

- Bosnia and Herzegovina is a European country. There is no doubt that its rightful place is in the European Union. I know that the vast majority of people throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina share the same view. For this reason, the European Union, as before, continues its active engagement in providing assistance to BiH. From infrastructure reconstruction after the war with over a billion KM invested since 2007 in improving educational, legal, administrative, and social services to the European Union's response during and after the floods. We are here with you. Personally, it has been an honor to assist over the past three years in making a European future a reality in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Every friendship I have made and almost every conversation I have had has left a deep impression on me about the importance of the European Union project for Bosnia and Herzegovina - states Sorensen.

He says that at the beginning, working in this country involved concrete tasks that were achieved, such as encouraging the formation of government, promoting and adopting the budget, establishing the State Aid Council, and ensuring the implementation of the population census.

- It is equally important to note that I believe the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina now know each other better. You know what needs to be done to bring the country closer to the European Union, and we have a better understanding of Bosnia and Herzegovina's potential. I will say without hesitation that I have no doubt that you can achieve this, if you want to. And we want you as a member. The content of the latest European Commission Report on the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina came as no surprise. The report outlines a clear picture of the existing stalemate, to which we must add the protests from the beginning of the year, then the floods, all in the context of the real progress of other countries in the region. A grim picture. But that picture encourages me to ask a question, which we should all ask, and that is - how to move things forward? - states Sorensen.

The European integration process is actually a plan that Bosnia and Herzegovina, and especially its current and future leaders, can follow. I believe that there are three priority steps ahead of us.

First, start by improving people's lives in the country through the implementation of economic and social reforms. Make Bosnia and Herzegovina more attractive to investors. For example, by reducing the bureaucracy required to establish a business, and by enabling talented and hardworking people to progress without obstacles, it contributes to the country's prosperity now and in the future, when it becomes part of the European Union. There are clear proposals to address this issue, contained in the Growth and Employment Pact. This is the essence of good governance, not protocol statements and endless photo opportunities for the media.

It is interesting to note that in a public opinion survey in BiH, conducted before the elections among 1000 respondents for the EU, 89% of respondents stated that they believe political parties are not addressing the most important issues. Likewise, 78% of respondents believe that parties did not have good proposals related to the economy. In a separate survey conducted by Gallup, it is stated that only 8% of residents support domestic authorities this year. This indicates the need for a change in policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a focus on issues of real interest to the population, such as unemployment and business.

Second, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to coordinate the way domestic authorities coordinate in order to fulfill the obligations of the integration process. The European Union will accept Bosnia and Herzegovina exclusively as a single state, and this will not change, so BiH authorities must find a way of coordination that reflects the country's structure and at the same time ensures a unified voice of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards the European Union.

Finally, third, Bosnia and Herzegovina must show seriousness by fulfilling its international obligations. Whether it is the implementation of decisions of international courts or respect for signed agreements. This is important for the reputation and future success of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I list these three steps due to the objective need for Bosnia and Herzegovina to take them. These steps are a proven path to prosperity and membership in the European Union. There needs to be a clear understanding in the country that the European Union does not admit countries that are unable to cope with this. To achieve this, Bosnia and Herzegovina must change and start with these three steps.

The next steps on the European path must be the goal of the entire country. Everyone needs to work on it. Politicians, civil society, media, voters, experts. Everyone. I have always known, from my own experience in various countries in the region, as well as from my own country, that people in BiH are smart and very capable. We see this when you come to live with us in the EU and when you progress. But the country and the people who live in it also need to progress. A better life must be available here.

Such a better life can be provided by those in responsible positions. Primarily those in parliaments and in politics. But equally so by those in civil society, professions, media, and the private sector. The same applies to all countries that have joined the EU. I have no doubt that Bosnia and Herzegovina will follow the same path that they have already traversed.

Now is the time for Bosnia and Herzegovina to take the next three steps.