The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) called on the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to urgently find a solution to ensure the financing of the BHRT public service and protect its future.
This is stated in the answer to Radio Free Europe’s inquiry about whether the EBU will consider extending the deadline after February 28 for the repayment of the remaining debt that the Public Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina has towards the union. The debt amounts to 11.28 million euros.
“Extending the deadlines alone would not solve the basic problems that have been going on for more than 10 years, but would prolong the uncertainty and instability that the broadcaster is already facing,” adds the answer to RSE on Thursday, February 26.
BHRT owes money for electricity, gas, salaries and contributions to workers, as well as to the European Broadcasting Union and satellite operators.
In the response from the EBU to RSE, it is emphasized that in recent years the EBU has actively cooperated with BHRT and relevant actors in order to find a solution for long-term financial difficulties.
“This situation reflects the structural financial crisis that has been affecting BHRT for many years and requires a sustainable and final solution. The EBU proposed several repayment plans in an effort to reach a sustainable agreement, but due to the continuing financial crisis they could not be implemented. The management and employees of BHRT have consistently participated constructively in the search for a solution.
However, despite continuous communication with the government, we have not received a formal proposal from the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina that would help resolve this situation,” it concludes.
