Zlatko Lagumdžija, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations, spoke in Dnevnik D about global geopolitical processes, the role of great powers, the position of BiH, but also about economic and energy challenges and opportunities.
Lagumdžija believes that the world is in a turning point that will last for years:
“We have entered the second half of global changes and the next five years will be a time in which the planetary space will be subject to four simultaneous revolutions. One is geopolitical, a complete rearrangement of relations, but it is not in itself, a strong technological revolution is taking place in parallel, then an economic rearrangement, and the fourth is the climate and energy transformation that is changing the relationship towards sustainable development. These four things together create a world that will look completely different in the coming years.”
Speaking about the current crises, he adds:
“In the next year or two, I expect that the crises that have now culminated will have to calm down, first of all the war in Ukraine, then the Palestinian issue, as well as the situation in the Middle East, which has already paralyzed the world’s economic and energy flows. All this leads to the need to rearrange the global maps.”
US-EU relations: differences in approach
Commenting on the relations of the United States of America and the European Union towards the region, Lagumdžija emphasizes:
“I would not say that there are fundamental differences in strategic goals between America and the European Union when it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina. What there are are differences in priorities. America very clearly insists on stability, that is the key word, and on economic mobilization. The European approach is more focused on political and institutional processes.”
He adds that the message of the international community is clear:
“Forget divisions and secessions, that is a story that ended 30 years ago and no one will allow such scenarios to be repeated.”
The High Representative and the International Framework
Speaking about the role of the High Representative, Lagumdžija emphasizes the importance of the institution itself:
“The most important thing is that the institution of the High Representative remains preserved in full capacity until Bosnia and Herzegovina joins the European Union. The specific moves of the High Representative can be discussed and there are different opinions, but the institution itself must remain stable and functional.”
He also adds a critical comment:
“The High Representative has a full mandate, but the question is whether he uses all his powers in the way he should. Also, his authority is not equal among all political actors, which further complicates the situation.”
Zagreb and ideas about reorganizing BiH
A three-day conference was held in Zagreb last week, which included a panel on the topic ‘Bosnia and Herzegovina – a failed state and the necessity of a third Croatian entity’. On that occasion, maps were presented showing the new division and reorganization of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a third entity, Lagumdžija commented on it as follows:
“These are concepts that were doomed 30 years ago and do not have real support from serious international actors.”
He added that the international community does not take such ideas seriously:
“Serious people in the world do not see this as a realistic option, but we in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be aware of these attempts and take them seriously.”
Western Balkans as a test for Europe
At international gatherings, including the Ljubljana conference, the importance of the region has been highlighted:
“The future of the European Union largely depends on whether it can solve problems in its own backyard. The Western Balkans are a test of Europe’s ability to act as a serious global actor. You cannot expect to be a global player if you are not able to solve problems in your immediate environment.”
Energy and development
Lagumdžija warns about the structure of energy production:
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of three countries in the region that exports electricity, but more than a third is produced from coal and that is something that must be overcome.”
He adds: “The energy transition is crucial. Projects like the Southern Interconnection are not just energy projects, but development projects that can bring in new investments.”
Speaking of investments, he says: “The arrival of a foreign investor means that someone will invest their money, build infrastructure, create jobs and after a certain period it remains with you. That is a development opportunity.”
Conflict of interest?
When asked about the solar power plant project in Goražde and allegations that it is connected to the investment, Lagumdžija confirms his role:
“I am, how can I not be tied down. In 2015, when I got out of operational politics, I founded a consulting house in Sarajevo and, among other things, I work on the promotion of foreign investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I was quite successful in that.”
The question of a potential conflict of interest is raised, to which Lagumdžija responded as follows:
“My job is to attract foreign investments. I use my experience, knowledge and contacts to help Bosnia and Herzegovina. If someone did not give me this job, I would do something else, but the essence is the same. I am a professor at several universities in the world and I work through different platforms that I use to promote Bosnia and Herzegovina and investments in our country. It is quite natural that I try to gather experts and connect them with serious investors.”
He adds that he also works in other professional settings:
“I am a professor at several universities around the world and work through various platforms that I use to promote Bosnia and Herzegovina and investments in our country. It is only natural that I try to bring together experts and connect them with serious investors.”
How is foreign policy conducted?
Lagumdžija emphasizes the importance of proactive policy:
“Foreign policy is not conducted as a reaction to events, but as a well-thought-out strategy in which you have to act in advance, build alliances and position your country. Institutions have to do their job, and lobbying and contacts can help, but they cannot replace a systemic approach.”
