Romania and Bosnia and Herzegovina have traditionally enjoyed friendly relations, grounded in trust, respect and common values. And as true friendship is often tested in difficult times, Romania was among the first countries to show solidarity with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who were affected by the devastating floods in October. Romaniaprovided swift aid to the population in need, as they understand all too well, from their own experience, the severe damage that such natural disasters can cause.
”As you know, Romania is a steadfast supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Based on our EU accession experience, we better understand the challenges you face and are open to share our expertise and the lessons learned. We know from our own experience that it is a complex, yet a very rewarding path,” His Excellency Ambassador of Romania to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Mr. Anton Păcurețu begins his interview with Sarajevo Times.
In the last two years, the EU sent clear political messages by first granting candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and then deciding to open the accession negotiation with BiH, once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved. Romania fully supported these important advances and remains open to provide assistance in the accession process, where necessary, Ambassador continues.
The current complex global realities show that no country can address its security challenges alone. By internalizing the Euro-Atlantic values and standards, Bosnia and Herzegovina will be better equipped and more resilient in front of various risks.
”We stand ready to support your country’s progress towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration, as we have felt directly the benefits of joining EU and NATO in terms of prosperity and security guarantees which, in turn, boosted our economic and social development. I can confidently say that, thanks to our membership in the EU and NATO, Romania currently enjoys the strongest security guarantees in its history,” His Excellency explains.
The current state of relations between Romania and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Romania has proved over the years its strong commitment to ensuring the stability and security in BiH, but also in the region, with its consistent presence in the EUFOR Althea mission.
”Currently, we are the major contributors among the 23 participating states in terms of military contingent and technical equipment, which is even more relevant in the context of the current security reality in Europe and newly emerging challenges. I am proud that starting with 1 January 2025 Romania will undertake, for the first time, the Command of EUFOR Althea. It is a responsibility that honors us,” Mr. Păcurețu says.
In terms of the political and diplomatic dialogue, Ambassador says that this year was a productive one. They have organized the official visits of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence of BiH in Romania in June. Additionally, the Romanian Minister of Defence has paid a visit to BiH in October. Sectoral visits to BiH and training sessions for experts (e.g. Statistics, EU programs & funds, training for policemen etc.), organised throughout the year, have shown the potential of further expanding our bilateral ties, including in supporting BiH’s EU integration efforts. Another significant achievement on thebilateral agenda was the official opening of the Honorary Consulate in Mostar, in April. This definitely has added substantial value to theefforts in enhancing the bilateral cooperation in trade, investments, culture, and people-to-people contacts.
”Also, it is worth mentioning is the implementation of numerous social projects across Bosnia and Herzegovina, funded by the Government of Romania through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Romanian Agency for International Development Cooperation. Our primary focus has been on supporting cultural and educational institutions, as we believe that investing in future generations is one of the most important tasks and rewarding endeavors. These projects have focused on enhancing administrative capacities by refurbishing and equipping kindergartens, playgrounds, cultural centers, university libraries, and study spaces. We have also donated medical equipment to healthcare institutions, delivered disaster risk reduction and management projects and training, and funded initiatives to promote inter-ethnic reconciliation and interfaith dialogue,” Ambassador explained.
When it comes to events intended to make the local public more familiar with the culture and traditions, it is to be noted that Romania has become a constant presence at the annual Sarajevo Film Festival and the Mediterranean Film Festival in Široki Brijeg. Ambassador says he is proud that at this year’s edition of Sarajevo Film Festival, the film “Three Kilometers to the End of the World”, by Romanian director Emanuel Pârvu, won the top prize, the Heart of Sarajevo. There are also many other bilateral projects involvingmusicians, artists, theatre and ballet dancers, highlighting the successful collaboration of one of the leading Romanian conductors Mihnea Ignat with Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra.
”Our Embassy has also joined the collective efforts of the international community in BiH in organizing the annual Diplomatic Winter Bazar– the largest annual charity event dedicated to raising funds for disadvantaged children. This is a great opportunity for the large public to get familiar with our specialties, but also with tourism opportunities in Romania, traditional costumes, and traditions. For this year’s edition of the DWB we managed to raise significant funds, with the generous support by the Romanian military contingent of EUFOR Althea operation, as a sign of solidarity with those in need,” Ambassador concludes.
The key priorities for Romania’s diplomatic mission in BiH
When it comes to the key priorities for Romania’s diplomatic mission in BiH, Ambassador states they will focus on diversifying the bilateral political dialogue through mutual exchanges of visits at various levels, as well as expanding business and investments opportunities by fostering closer connections between the companies. For this purpose, they plan to organize next year an economic forum, with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, to bring together business communities from our countries and explore the possibilities for bilateral and regional projects.
”We will continue implementing several projects funded within the International Development Cooperation framework. These projects primarily target young people, aiming to create a safe and stimulating environment that supports their social and academic development. Other projects will aim at strengthening the institutional capacities of agencies and bodies involved in the process of accession negotiations with the EU, in view of aligning to the European standards, as for example in the electoral field or statistics, based on the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024.We will also prioritize expanding the network of town-twinning partnerships, as they serve as an effective tool for connecting people and businesses, and fostering trade, educational, and cultural exchanges between local communities. Promoting exchanges between artists and musicians will also be an important objective, as it nurtures intercultural dialogue. I am pleased to see a growing interest and an increased number of initiatives on both sides in this area,” His Excellency explains.
As BiH and Romania are approach the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Ambassador is optimistic about the future of the bilateral ties. Over the past three decades, two countries have built a solid foundation of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. Looking ahead, Ambassador says he sees enormous potential for deepening our relations across several key areas.
”Firstly, I hope that the next decade will be marked by a closer and more dynamic advancement of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards the European Union. It will serve as an excellent basis for our bilateral partnership and our continuous support of BiH’s journey towards joining the EU. Romania’s experience as an EU member state can offer valuable insights and I foresee increasing collaboration in this regard, particularly through shared expertise and best practices,” he explains adding that secondly, he is very sure that the economic ties will grow significantly.
”While we have already seen progress, there is much room for expanding trade, investment, and collaboration in sectors such as IT, construction, food and wood industries, and tourism. I also hope that the conditions will be met to enable the launch of a direct flight connecting our two capitals, Bucharest and Sarajevo. It would greatly enhance our economic relations, promote tourism, and boost people-to-people contacts. Cultural and educational exchanges will also continue to strengthen, with an emphasis on youth engagement,” Ambassador explains.
”Thirdly, we will continue to work together to promote regional stability, cooperation, and development, both within the framework of the EU accession process and in the regional initiatives. Romania remains firmly committed to ensure a safe environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the wider region, and we will continue to actively contribute to the EUFOR Althea mission for as long as it is needed,” he concludes.
Economic ties, Romanian investments in BiH and trade between the two countries
Expanding the bilateral economic cooperation is, clearly, a key pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries. Due to its location, Bosnia and Herzegovina is quite attractive for Romanian companies as it allows building a network of customers both in Southeast Europe and in Central Europe. The main areas of interest for Romanian firms are food processing industry, energy sector, wood, transport, construction industry, tourism, IT, where Ambassador sees a great potential.
The Chambers of Commerce from the two countries cooperate quite actively. Last year an increase of 10% in bilateral commercial exchanges was registered, both in terms of imports from Romania to BiH and exports from BiH to Romania. It is worth mentioning that the bilateral exchanges are going up and Romania ranks as the 10th largest trade partner of BiH among the EU Member States.
”One of the successful economic projects was signing last year of the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of transport on inland waterways between the Port of Constanța from Romania and the Brčko Port. The project focuses on the importance of consolidating the river traffic, with direct benefits not only for companies in our countries, but also at the regional and European level. As you know, the Romanian car brand Dacia holds a strong presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dacia models are among the best-selling in your country, being popular due to its combination of affordability, reliability, and practicality. In particular, the Dacia Duster model remains the top-selling model in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the last years. We are pleased that this year a new model of Dacia Duster has been launched in BiH and became already a new success story among local customers,” His Excellency explains.
Another positive development is tourism. In the last few years, the country is witnessing an increasing influx of Romanian tourists visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina. The advantage of BiHis that it offers excellent options for both summer and winter vacations. In this context, Ambassador mentioned that last year an agreement was signed between Jahorina Olympic Center and the Romanian ski resort Sinaia regarding the mutual validity of ski passes, which offer the possibility for tourists from both countries to ski with one ski pass. Such joint collaborations are concrete examples of connecting people, boosting the tourist sector and, consequently, the bilateral ties.
The most memorable experience as the Ambassador to BiH so far
”After almost 4 years of exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina, I can confidently say that, much like Romania, this country is blessed with stunning nature, historical and cultural heritage, but also a unique blend of religious and cultural diversity,” Ambassador explains.
One of his favorite spots in Sarajevo for a walk is the Ambassador’s Alley along the Miljacka River. He founds this a great initiative by the municipal authorities to invite Ambassadors to plant trees, symbolically leaving a piece of themselves in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the long term.
Together with his team from the Embassy, they love discovering the country’s mountains and national parks, which offer fantastic hiking opportunities and exploring waterfalls and lakes. The local cuisine is another highlight for them. Additionally, he enjoys attending the many cultural events such as film festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions held across Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as supporting charitable causes that benefit local communities.
”If I were to highlight one memorable experience, it would be engaging with the local people, especially the youth, while travelling across the country. It has been truly enriching to experience their warm hospitality, sense of humor, and unique customs, as well as to listen to their daily concerns, hopes, and aspirations. I am particularly impressed by the immense potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s young people—talented, open-minded, and full of promise. They are undeniably the country’s greatest asset and definitely deserve a future within the larger European family!,” His Excellency concludes.
Ambassador’s message to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina
”It is encouraging to witness that EU membership is your country’s strategic goal, supported by all political parties and citizens. The EU proved over the years to be by far the best project on the continent for delivering peace, democracy, prosperity and stability. BiH has a complex power-sharing structure. Nevertheless, the authorities proved that compromise is possible when major objectives are at stake and there is shared national interest. When there is a political will, challenges can be overcome and a way forward found. The fact that BiH made progress on the EU path in the last years has been largely acknowledged, welcomed and rewarded. My message is to continue these efforts and reforms in order not to miss this historic window of opportunity,” Ambassador starts his message.
He adds that he is always using their own example to illustrate the transformative impact that EU membership can have on institutions and the daily lives of citizens that can be seen in a few figures that speak for themselves and highlight Romania’s evolution since joining the EU seventeen years ago.
”Romania s GDP is more than 7 times higher than 20 years ago: from EUR 50 billion in 2003, at EUR 350 billion now. Expressed per capita, we progressed from EUR 2,400 to EUR 17,000, a categorical increase in the standard of living of citizens. Romania has become a high-income country, with a diversified economy firmly anchored in European and global value chains. Integration into the European common market and access to structural funds resulted in a jump in convergence, from 20 % in the early 2000, to 80% of the EU average now. The balance of foreign direct investment is 12 times higher than 20 years ago, reaching EUR 118 billion, almost 35% of GDP, which strongly stimulates the economy and creates jobs. Unemployment has decreased and the number of employees in the economy has increased by more than 736,000 people, and the average salary is today 7 times higher. Exports and imports have grown exponentially, almost 10 times in these two decades. EU integration eliminated trade barriers and stimulated the adaptation of companies to the demands of foreign markets. European funds helped to develop the infrastructure, increasing mobility, competitiveness, but also, importantly, the standard of living. The increase in life expectancy by 6 years is another result of economic transformation: higher incomes, better medical services and improved living conditions,” His Excellency explains.
For all these reasons, Romania remains a strong supporter of the enlargement process, including in the Western Balkans. They know what a game changer accession process can be in terms of boosting prosperity and modernizing the society.
At the end, the reward is clear: higher standard of living, better education and healthcare system, stronger judiciary, greater job opportunities, and increased foreign investments. And above all, these measures should help reduce the number of young people leaving the country, which is crucial, as the young generation is the true driving force and renewable energy of any society!
”The current context at EU level is a favorable one with a renewed momentum for the enlargement policy. The Reforms and Growth Plan for the Western Balkans represents an unprecedented offer to the region to access some benefits of EU membership before accession. There is a political commitment of the EU on moving the process forward as a geostrategic, economic and moral imperative. Thus, it is crucial for all candidates to seize this historic opportunity to strongly bind their future to the future of the EU. So, keep moving forward!,” Ambassador concluded.
