The head of the EU Delegation in BiH, Luigi Soreca, said that EU membership remains the best guarantee for long-term prosperity and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As Soreca stated, the European Union has brought economic growth, security and opportunities throughout the continent, and this is largely confirmed by economic statistics and the support of citizens in the countries that joined the EU in the last few decades.
“Our goal is that the same opportunities that exist throughout the EU are available to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The facts about the enormous advantages of EU-BiH relations are clear. EU membership is a path for Bosnia and Herzegovina towards more functional democratic institutions, stronger rule of law and fight against corruption, better education and health care, improved environmental standards and improved quality of life,” says Soreca.
Soreca says that two thirds of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s trade is with the EU. In addition, the EU has been a consistent friend in challenging times, including after the 2014 and 2024 floods and during the Covid-19 pandemic, he added.
“The EU and its member states are the largest investor and provider of financial assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 2020 alone, the EU has mobilized 2.4 billion euros of investment for the country. Yesterday, the BiH Council of Ministers approved an EU grant of 140 million euros for the construction of the Mostar bypass. Now, the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans offers huge opportunities for Bosnia and Herzegovina to receive up to €976.5 million in exchange for reforms proven to improve citizens’ quality of life, such as wider broadband provision, improved business climate, better education and more. It would be a great loss for the future of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina if the country does not take the necessary steps to take full advantage of these great opportunities. Citizens of other countries in the region are already benefiting from the Growth Plan,” says Soreca.
He added that the door to EU membership is open for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
”The majority of BiH citizens want a future in the EU and understand that this is the best option for the country. It is in everyone’s interest that BiH progresses on its path towards the EU,” concluded Soreca.
