Stano: No new funds or conditions, we are seeking reforms!

The initiative for a new approach by the European Commission towards BiH does not mean new conditions, but strengthening the European Union's support for Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated Peter Stano, spokesperson for the European Commission for Enlargement, in an interview for the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

Stano spoke extensively for the first time for a BiH media outlet about the new strategy, a more economically focused approach, launched by Stefan Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement, after the failure of negotiations on the implementation of the "Sejdić-Finci" ruling. Stano confirms that BiH has previously had an obligation to meet the EU's economic criteria in the integration process.

- That's correct, the economic criterion requires a functional market economy and the state's capacity to cope with competition within the EU, and it has always been part of the enlargement process, or if you will, part of the conditions. But, the new approach simply means that we want to help BiH meet those criteria and solve the problems mentioned in the latest progress report – says Stano.

NAP: When can we expect the first meetings with BiH authorities regarding the new approach?

STANO: At the end of January this year, BiH submitted its economic and fiscal program, which gives us insight into the medium-term state plan for fiscal and structural reforms. Currently, the European Commission is reviewing this program and discussing reform priorities together with the authorities in Sarajevo and Banja Luka. Also, this assessment will be further discussed at a high-level meeting with experts from EU member states at the end of April. After all this, the European Commission will provide its specific recommendations.

NAP: Will this new strategy accelerate BiH's path to membership, or will it make the process slower and more focused on the essence of integration?

STANO: Ideally, we would achieve both, that the path is faster, and that it is more focused on the essence, given that it will address current problems. The economic approach should ensure better management of reforms that must be implemented during the EU accession process. This should then contribute to new investments, jobs, and greater economic growth.

NAP: Besides technical support, will this new approach open any new financial aid funds from the EU for BiH?

STANO: There are no new funds tied to this approach. I remind you that EU aid between 2007 and 2013 exceeded 700 million euros, of which 150 million is still not contracted, and many projects are being implemented with great difficulty.

The key problem is how BiH can utilize the funds already available and do so effectively. In that regard, better-designed reforms and a direct link with international financial institutions should attract more of their loans and private investments.