The Head of the European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luigi Soreca, spoke in Dnevnik D of the Federalna TV about the stagnation on BiH’s European path, the lost funds from European funds, political blockages and the lack of reforms. The focus of the conversation was also the growth plan, the election year, as well as the attitude of the local authorities towards the obligations on the path to the European Union.
At the beginning of the conversation, Ambassador Soreca commented on Bakir Izetbegović’s statement about the alleged dangerous events in Banja Luka, saying that he had no such information.
“I had the opportunity to hear that statement by the SDA president, but I have no such information. I think that we have probably entered the pre-election phase and that we will hear more similar messages during that period.”
He emphasizes that the European Union’s focus is on stability and elections.
“For our part, we are working on preparing the ground for the elections, including the introduction of electoral technologies, but my primary task remains bringing Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the European Union.”
BiH’s European path: between deadlocks and missed opportunities
Speaking about the European path, Soreca admits that the process has slowed down and that there is a lack of political energy.
“The European Council gave the green light to open negotiations with certain conditions, some of which have been met, but due to the crisis, the political will and spirit have been lost.”
He recalls that simple steps have remained unfulfilled.
“Two laws in the field of justice and the appointment of a chief negotiator remain, but unfortunately none of that has been done. We were ready to launch an intergovernmental conference, but we were disappointed because there was no progress and an important opportunity was missed.”
Election year as an excuse
He believes that the focus of politicians is not on reforms, but on the campaign.
“After numerous meetings with politicians, I have the impression that their attention has been diverted to political bickering and preparations for the elections.”
He adds that this is not an excuse for the deadlock.
“I often hear that we are in an election year, but for me it is an excuse – we should not waste time.”
The growth plan and the money that is being lost
He warns in particular about the concrete financial consequences.
“The European Union has offered more than a billion euros through the reform agenda, but due to delays, the funds have already been reduced by 108 million euros. Since the adoption of the reform agenda, we have not seen much action. I have literally been chasing ministers to push it through, but I have not seen anything significant done.”
He stresses that the losses could grow.
“If there is no action, there could be an additional reduction in funds, up to 400 million euros by the end of the year. Two standard financial agreements need to be signed and ratified, and these are not impossible demands.”
Blockades and political responsibility
When asked about responsibility for the impasse, he says that it exists at multiple levels.
“Everyone bears some responsibility, but some more, especially those who promote the anti-European narrative. Due to a lack of will, there are no decisions, and without decisions there is no progress on the European path.”
Disinformation and attitude towards the EU
Speaking of Euroscepticism, he warns of the influence of wrong narratives.
“Propaganda and disinformation influence public opinion, but the facts show that 73% of citizens support EU membership, of which over 50% in Republika Srpska.”
He emphasizes the sincerity of the European offer.
“We have no hidden interests – we believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina belongs to the European Union and that this is its natural path.”
Transporter problems and possible solutions
He also addressed the problem of BiH transporters in the EU.
“This is not only a security issue, but also an economic one, because 73% of exports go to EU member states.”
He states that solutions are being worked on.
“In the short term, we are looking for solutions within the framework of existing rules, and in the long term, legislative changes are needed at the European level. Authorities need to talk to their neighbors.”
Public service as a democratic priority
Soreca also warns about the state of the public broadcaster.
“22 million euros have been earmarked for the public service, but the funds are not being used because there is no progress in implementing the reform agenda.”
He emphasizes its importance.
“I appeal to domestic institutions to find a solution. If it were to shut down, this would be the only country in Europe without a public broadcaster. The public service is the foundation of democratic processes.”
‘Ferrari with the handbrake raised’
Finally, he graphically describes the state of the country.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina has enormous potential, but it is like a Ferrari with the handbrake on.”
He adds that there is a solution.
“The European path and the reform agenda are the only way to lower that brake and move the country forward.”
