The president of the Nordic movement for civil BiH, Amina Agović-Argillander, said at the Sunday session of Circle 99 that the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina must finally establish a systemic and continuous relationship with the diaspora, and not deal with it only occasionally and formally.
Agović-Argillander emphasized that the diaspora is inextricably linked to the homeland, despite the physical distance. She cited data that about 34 percent of citizens born in BiH live outside the country, while a total of about 2.2 million people of BiH origin live around the world. Their economic contribution is significant, and remittances last year amounted to 4.2 billion BAM.
She warned that this potential is insufficiently used, that the diaspora is poorly represented politically, and state institutions do not have a clear strategy, concrete projects, or an efficient support system for investments or return.
“There is no model that clearly states what the state offers and how cooperation works. Without a legal framework, investment security and concrete support, everything remains empty words “ added Agović-Argillander.
She noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina must abandon the outdated approach in which the diaspora is seen only as a source of aid, and start on the path of countries that achieved strong development precisely through cooperation with their emigrants. Agović-Argillander emphasized that a stable and democratic state is the basis for the return of capital, knowledge and people, stressing that political choices have direct economic consequences for the future of the country.
Greater political participation and digitization
Members of the Nordic Movement for Civil BiH Edin Osmancevic, Miloš Miljatović and Vladan Laušević spoke about the topic of the regular session of Circle 99 “The necessity of political participation of the diaspora and the struggle for modern BiH”.
Osmancevic said that the political participation of the diaspora in BiH is declining despite its significant potential, which directly affects democratic processes and the strengthening of nationalist narratives. He warned that the attitude towards the state is not reflected only through elections, but also through responsibility towards future generations and active participation in society.
“I am voting because I believe that political participation is one of the fundamental forms of social responsibility,” said Osmancevic.
Miljatović stated that the political gathering of pro-Bosnian parties within the Movement for a State proved to be an important step in strengthening their influence, despite the complex conditions of operation in the Republika Srpska. He added that even the modest increase in representation is a significant success, in which the diaspora played an important role.
“Even just stopping the negative trend is a significant success,” said Miljatović, adding that without continuity of institutional cooperation with the diaspora, there is no long-term stability or preservation of ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Laušević stated that Estonia’s experience shows that digitization and inclusion of the diaspora can be key drivers of rapid social and economic development. He added that Estonia has turned from a post-socialist country into one of the most advanced digital states in Europe thanks to the vision of the leader and the active contribution of citizens, including the diaspora.
“Estonia is considered the digital state of Europe,” said Laušević, adding that this example clearly indicates the need for modernization of BiH, especially in the area of digital democracy and electronic voting.
Circle 99 President Adil Kulenović and the presenters expressed their condolences and support to the families of the victims in Prijedor and the surrounding area on the occasion of May 31 – the Day of White Ribbons.
