Although the EU has its disadvantages, the alternative for B&H to remain excluded while other countries are approaching the accession would be disastrous, the Irish professor Bronagh Ćatibušić evaluated in an interview for the new issue of the magazine Novo vrijeme.
Prof. Ćatibušić, who has a PhD in applied linguistics from the Trinity College in Dublin, says that smaller countries such as Ireland, despite of our recent economic crisis, had many benefits from membership in the EU.
“Above all, B&H is a fundamental part of Europe. Consider its position, its rich history, diversity – it has a lot to offer. When it comes to challenges, it is clear that current political structures in B&H represent an obstacle. Unfortunately, those are working well for some powerful people who are not too keen to positive change,” said the Professor Ćatibušić, whose life and activities are related to the Balkan region, apart from her being married to a Bosnian.
Professor Ćatibušić points out that, unfortunately, the Irish people do not know much about B&H, except for the recent meeting in the qualifications for EURO 2016.
“People who are old enough to remember the 1990s usually still connect B&H with war. However, whoever visited this country stayed amazed with its beauty, its customs and, of course, its food. They are impressed with the welcome in B&H. I am personally attracted by the diversity of the country – a variety and blend of influences, good jokes, coffee rituals, the fact that it will drive you crazy but you will love it more and more precisely because of that. Mountains, the Bosna springs, or simply walking through Sarajevo on a summer night. Bosnia and Herzegovina has much to offer, but it is somehow still a hidden gem on the tourist scene. It deserves more promotion, but it must preserve its intriguing character,” Professor Ćatibušić said.
(Source: klix.ba)
