Principal Deputy High Representative and Brčko District Supervisor Michael Scanlan attended today a meeting of the Brčko District officials with representatives of public companies “FBiH Highways” and “RS Highways” on the future route of the highway network through the District.
The Supervisor welcomed the involvement of all participants and once again underscored the importance of the Brčko authorities taking a decision this month so that the realization of this vital project can commence.
Leveraging Brčko’s strategic economic location to establish a multimode transportation nexus – with the highway junction, the reconstruction of the existing bridge, and the modernisation of the port with improved rail and road access – will transform the District into a priority investment destination connected to the EU and Western Balkan markets.
To make this a reality, all three components must be in place. The good news is the modernisation of the port is underway. As for the other two components, the final decisions allowing the projects to proceed should be seen this month.
The decision on the route for the highway network through Brčko lies with the Brčko authorities. The approval of the already negotiated and initialed agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia to reconstruct the Gunja-Brčko Bridge lies with the Council of Ministers. The clock is ticking.
On Thursday, the Supervisor discussed with the heads of the Assembly’s caucuses of SNSD-DEMOS, HDZ BiH, and SDA the adoption this spring of a new Law on Civil Service. The Supervisor over the next two weeks will meet with every party caucus and independent deputies on this issue.
The establishment of a multimode transportation nexus and the creation of a streamlined, accountable, and service-oriented civil service will ensure the District is not only an example of interethnic coexistence but also of good governance and prosperity.
