The Head of Delegation and EU Special Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, together with the Ambassadors of Slovenia, Spain and Belgium, visited Travnik. In addition to meeting with the leaders of the legislative and executive authorities of the Central Bosnia Canton and the Municipality of Travnik, they visited the Travnik Fortress, the renovation of which is supported by European Union funds.
The situation in the Central Bosnia Canton, relations between the legislative and executive authorities, energy, environmental protection and the continuation of further investments – these are the topics that the members of the “Team Europe” discussed with the leaders of the legislative and executive authorities of this canton. As they pointed out, this canton is one of the most stable economically and politically and is truly committed to EU integration, and that they were assured that it will move towards the European path at an accelerated pace.
“We in the Central Bosnia Canton are doing everything and will do everything in the future to contribute to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards the European Union,” said Dražen Matišić, Chairman of the Assembly of the Central Bosnia Canton (HDZBiH).
“We presented what is the interest of this canton and the vision and that we have always been and are preparing for what we are doing towards the European path that we have formed a strong office,” said Tahir Lendo, Prime Minister of the Central Bosnia Canton (SDA).
Addressing reporters, the Head of Delegation and Special Representative of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina Luigi Soreca emphasized that this canton has been recognized as extremely advanced in terms of preparations for the EU integration process and that its Office for European Integration is directly working on the implementation of European standards and that it can share this significant experience with others.
“I would like to note that 70% of the work and necessary activities, which I hope will soon begin in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are currently taking place at lower levels, and this canton has significant experience that it could share with others,” Soreca emphasized.
The reform agenda and its importance for everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina in all areas, which provide direct benefits for citizens, were also discussed, and one of the key issues is the appointment of the Chief Negotiator. This is a very important issue, said Ambassador Soreca, but it is not for the EU to comment on it.
“We advocate that this appointment follows the necessary procedures and that the person is competent, operational and someone who has a team of people behind them who will enable a unified approach and speak with one voice,” said Soreca.
After Travnik, Team Europe continued its journey to Šipovo and Bosanski Petrovac, while tomorrow they will talk to the leaders of the Una-Sana Canton and the mayor of Bihać, and will join students from Bihać and Banja Luka at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Bihać.
