Op-ed by the by Head of the EU Delegation/EU Special Representative in BiH Luigi Soreca
After much speculation about the possible outcomes of today’s House of Peoples’ session, two of the laws required for progress towards the next milestone on the EU path – the Law on Border Control and the Law on Personal Data Protection – have been adopted. The adoption of these laws is important, because they bring concrete benefits for BiH’s citizens. Today’s results are a welcome sign that the EU path remains a priority that different political actors share.
It is significant that it was possible to adopt crucial EU-related legislation during a political crisis. At many key moments, BiH’s EU path has been delayed by blockades and internal political disputes.
So, while we remain cautious, at the same time we dare to hope that this is a sign political actors recognise what is really at stake at this important moment for BiH on its path towards the EU, and are willing to overcome obstacles to achieving further progress.
It has been said before, but it is worth repeating. If Bosnia and Herzegovina fulfils certain achievable conditions, an Intergovernmental Conference to open accession negotiations can be held in the next months. There are still a few steps that BiH needs to take, such as the Law on HJPC, the Law on Courts and the appointment of a Chief Negotiator and negotiating team. Preparatory work has been done and the end result is not far. It is now a question of political will to run the last mile.
The EU path is the best guarantee of prosperity and stability for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina is geographically located in the heart of Europe and is culturally and historically a European country. Arguments that this country should orient its future towards countries located on different continents and different time zones do not stand up to scrutiny.
Bosnia and Herzegovina neighbours a prosperous and democratic Union of 27 member states with high rule of law, anti-corruption, human rights and environmental standards and which has consistently been a loyal partner and the largest provider of assistance. A Union which moreover has made enlargement a priority and which is laying down plans to accept new members in the coming years.
The EU accession process has radically improved the quality of life for citizens in countries across our continent. It would be no different for Bosnia and Herzegovina. As has happened in every country, opening accession negotiations can be expected to lead to higher growth, higher investment and more jobs as investors see improvements in the business climate and the realistic prospect of the country joining a wealthy market of 450 million people.
As the country aligns with EU legislation, standards will rise, in areas as diverse as the functionality of democratic institutions, public administration, the fight against corruption, infrastructure, air and water quality, healthcare and education.
Delays to the EU path are delays in receiving these benefits. Similarly, a lack of agreement on the Reform Agenda of the Growth Plan prevents BiH from receiving €1 billion in investment from the EU and takes away opportunities for BiH citizens to improve their quality of life.
It is clear that in a diverse country such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, decision-making processes must balance the needs of different stakeholders. It is therefore understandable that legislation often takes more time to be adopted than in other countries. The EU, with its 27 member states also requires consensus among diverse voices. Nonetheless, there is a difference between taking time to debate legislation, and the deliberate blocking of the EU path for unrelated reasons, which unfortunately happens all too often.
The result of blockades and delayed progress is felt most of all by ordinary citizens. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with enormous potential, but it currently underperforms when it comes to attracting investment, and has one of the largest rates of emigration in the world. Advances on the EU path are an opportunity to reverse negative trends and build positive ones.
Let us hope that the finalisation today of the Law on Border Control and the Law on Personal Data Protection is a sustainable sign in the right direction.
