New initiative of the EUSR Office in BiH – “What does the Compact for Growth and Jobs mean?”

During May and June an initiative of the Office of the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina will take place in 15 cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to promote public debate on socio- economic reforms. The initiative follows the publication of the ‘Compact for Growth and Jobs’ in July 2014 and the call for a reform agenda for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Conclusions of the Council of the European Union from December 2014.

Through a series of one day events and promotional activities, attention will be focused on the most-needed reforms and the opportunities for all groups of BiH society. The events will include on each day:

• a Public debate on the Compact in the morning
• an Employment and Career Forum in the afternoon.

“The agenda of the Compact is an agenda for people who would like to see better quality of life in BiH, more jobs, increased investments and better perspectives for young people and all citizens of this country. That is why this initiative will bring EUSR representatives, EU Member States’ representatives together with local economic experts, local officials, businesses and educational institutions – but most importantly with local people, to discuss a common agenda:  economic opportunity for all,” said Andy McGuffie, EUSR/EU Delegation  Head of Communication and Spokesperson.

The first ‘ What does the Compact for Growth and Jobs mean?’ event, which is also the project launch, will be held in Tomislavgrad on 5 May and the second in Čapljina on 6 May.

After that, the initiative will visit a different municipality every week. Events will be held in Bihać on 20 May, Sanski Most 21 May, Prijedor 22 May, Istočno Sarajevo 28 May, Foča 29 May, Brčko 4 June, Bijeljina 5 June, Mostar 11 June, Trebinje 12 June, Travnik 18 June, Vitez 19 June, Doboj 25 June, Tuzla, 26 June.

ST