Statement of Head of Delegation/EU Special Representative Peter Sorensen
The centenary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28th June 2014, part of the events that led to the outbreak of the First World War, allows us all to reflect in particular on the disastrous consequences of the politics of division and intrigue. It underlines the responsibility of all communities and nations to come to terms honestly with their histories, and to reject biased interpretations, for the sake of ensuring our common European future.
Dialogue, reconciliation, peace, mutual understanding and co-operation form the bedrock of our common life together as Europeans. Our experience since 1945, particularly among the Member States now side by side in the European Union, is that genuine efforts to build trust among national communities requires conscious commitment and continuous hard work. The passage of time can help, but we must guard against it simply freezing enmities as well as traumas. This anniversary reminds us that there is no indirect or automatic route to reconciliation. It must be actively sought and struggled for if Europe is to enjoy lasting peace and stability. This fact is evident from our common European historical experience and it must guide our European future.
This anniversary also reminds us that there has been a lack of progress in a range of political, social and economic areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent years. The country is falling behind its neighbours, with too much time spent promoting competing narratives of the past and dealing with inward-looking preoccupations such as securing official posts, achieving maximal demands and giving symbols more importance than a better life for citizens.
This is a day for all communities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to renew their attempt to address and deal with the past. Similar challenges have been met and overcome in societies that have confronted difficulties as big as those facing Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina urgently needs this commitment to dialogue, consensus and fresh political thinking and more common sense in politics; this will help the country to make the most of opportunities now opening up throughout the region.
The European Union will continue helping Bosnia and Herzegovina to take these opportunities and to move ahead. The EU will continue to be your reliable partner because we all want a Bosnia and Herzegovina capable of playing its rightful, full role in a stable and prosperous Europe. How the challenges are resolved, however, is up to the people of BiH and the leaders and representatives they elect.
ST
