Dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect in our region are more important today than ever before. Through active participation in regional initiatives, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) proves that it is a proactive and constructive partner. In that context, we will continue to actively support regional cooperation, including the Brdo-Brijuni Process initiative, said the member of the Presidency of BiH, Denis Becirovic, in his address at the summit of the leaders of the Brdo-Brijuni Process, which is being held in Durres, Albania.
“The foreign policy of BiH towards neighboring and other countries is based, above all, on respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as on respect for the fundamental principles of international law. In the years after the Second World War, only a few believed that the unification of our continent was possible. European greats such as Schuman, Adenauer, and Spinelli showed that the vision of a united Europe is stronger than fear, prejudice, and hatred. The political wisdom of European leaders united former enemies into allies who built a unique European project, a symbol of lasting cooperation and strategic vision for Europe. We should understand and apply this important lesson in our region as well,” said Becirovic.
He emphasized that the Western Balkans should not forget that the process of European integration is a “two-way street.”
“Why a ‘two-way street’? Because the path to the European Union (EU) does not only mean taking money from European funds and development projects. It primarily implies adopting the fundamental European values and standards,” said Becirovic.
He said that, unfortunately, we are witnessing trends in which, in certain countries of the region, European values are being suppressed, and instead, practices incompatible with modern democracy are being affirmed. Such a trend, Becirovic warned, must be stopped.
The member of the Presidency of BiH stated that in Southeast Europe, there can be no true peace and progress without abandoning the projects of greater states.
The dangerous idea of redrawing state borders, he emphasized, represents a threat both to the present and the future.
“That, finally, must be understood by all the countries of the region. Our future lies in establishing interstate relations modeled after those of the EU countries. That must become a true commitment. Only in that way can we build peace, security, and development in our common interest. We probably cannot copy the Scandinavian model of cooperation in our region, but we can draw positive experiences from it. The Scandinavian countries recognized the advantages of cooperation and found a way to create an environment for accelerated economic development. Let us learn from this and similar examples. Let us not repeat the dangerous politics of the 1990s, whose catastrophic consequences we still feel today,” said Becirovic.
He emphasized that mutual respect among states is the path that leads toward a stable and prosperous region.
Member of the Presidency of BiH, Denis Becirovic, said that intensifying the Berlin Process and implementing the signed agreements is a visible benefit for all the countries of the region.
He stated that it is time to “through concrete action open the path toward progress and enable the only remaining ratification of the Agreement on Freedom of Movement with ID Cards in the Western Balkans.”
By ratifying this important agreement, Becirovic noted, the implementation of other agreements from the Berlin Process would also be facilitated.
In his address, Becirovic emphasized that it is time to stop the obstructions and blockades, and that BiH supports projects that contribute to the development and strengthening of citizens’ living standards.
“We believe it is important that in the coming period all of us focus on infrastructural, energy, digital, and economic connectivity of the Western Balkan countries with the EU; improving energy efficiency and capacity building as a response to climate change; accelerating the energy transition toward green energy sources; intensifying work on the development of the transport network; facilitating access to EU structural and cohesion funds for countries in the enlargement process; opening new jobs and reducing the departure of young people,” said Becirovic.
He stated that it is necessary to ensure that the Western Balkans moves forward – toward full integration into the EU and toward sustainable development that will benefit all our citizens.
He emphasized that the Western Balkans must no longer be a space of conflict, but must become a space of cooperation.
“The responsibility for that lies with all of us. Let us initiate positive processes and work in the interest of our citizens. Let us turn to genuine regional cooperation. BiH is ready to contribute strongly to this process and to continue building bridges of cooperation with partners from the region,” said a member of the Presidency of BiH, Denis Becirovic.
