Tanja Fajon, member of the European Parliament talked to klix.ba about consequences of Croatian accession to the EU for BiH, her engagement in BiH and the current political situation in the country.
In less than a month, borders of the EU will encircle BiH, which will mean that BiH will be direct neighbour of the EU, with almost 1000 kilometres of border, which will, according to Fajon, bring radical changes, opportunities and challenges for BIH in the field of business and economy.
Fajon said that all countries had enough time to prepare themselves especially their legislation, which will enable BiH government to quickly determine whether certain products can be exported to the EU or not. She noted that the accession of Croatia to the EU will be an opportunity for BiH to speed up reforms and to apply new standards of quality especially in producing and processing of food.
She added that the EU supports BiH in all those processes needed to adapt to European standards noting that it’s up to BiH to do most of work.
Concerning the issue that most BiH citizens will be able to cross border with Croatia only with biometrical passports, she said it was a condition sine qua non imposed by the EU and not by Croatia and added that Croatia is fighting very strongly to keep the old system and event the European Parliament itself supports the resolution to maintain the old system, but a lot still depends on members states of the EU.
She noted that she herself is working on putting this, as she stated political issue, to be the priority of the European Commission.
‘We want to find the solution, because it is essential for transport of goods and movement of people across the border, of course, before Croatia enters the Schengen Area. But I am afraid that because of the lack of progress and negative political situation in BiH, blockages of European reforms, the EU will not accept such decisions. BiH politicians, unfortunately, are losing credibility and trust’, states Fajon.
She follows closely the situation in FBiH, and she got a feeling that the country goes from one political crisis to another.
‘I am very sorry that there is no political will to unite the country, especially in the crisis and citizens deserve that. I do hope that political parties and those in charge will agree upon the future of the country. Progress and reforms are needed in order to ensure better for future for BiH’, said Fajon in her talk to klix.ba
(source: klix.ba)
(photo: ifimes.org)
