An important guest will arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in the middle of next week – the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The date for the start of negotiations with the European Union (EU), as well as financial support, is awaited. However, on the eve of the visit, the state government is facing many problems, and it does not leave the impression of a functional system. Proof of this is Friday’s unsuccessful meeting of the leaders, but also the failed session of the Council of Ministers of BiH. Thus, the European path remained in the shadow of the political interests of individuals, and the representatives of the EU in our country were disappointed.
In anticipation of Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to BiH, a set of reform laws is pending. Optimism that our country will get a date for the start of negotiations is still present, but the situation on the ground does not inspire confidence. The last meeting exposed old problems. There is no agreement or compromise. The point of contention remains the Law on the Courts of BiH, and the headquarters of the Appellate Division remains the stumbling block.
“If it belongs to the Republika Srpska (RS), we will determine where it will be, not someone else. We need to separate the first and second instance proceedings and that should be guaranteedand ensure the independence in the proceedings,” said SNSD president Milorad Dodik.
For Dodik, the headquarters in Banja Luka is an ultimatum from which he does not want to give up. Unacceptable for the Coalition of Three, but exclusively, they say, for practical reasons.
“We have not harmonized the decisions that should be final, especially regarding the courts. And the issue of the headquarters, on which we do not have an identical position, we do not think is practical, pragmatic,” said People and Justice(Narod i Pravda – NiP) president Elmedin Konakovic.
“Everyone from their side thinks that they gave too much, made too many compromises, but it is a big thing that, even though we did not reach an agreement, we continue to talk,” said SDP president Nermin Niksic.
An unsuccessful meeting of state leaders also caused an unsuccessful session of the Council of Ministers. All laws from the priorities of the EU were removed from the agenda. In that package is also the Proposal of the Law on the Prevention of Conflict of Interest in the Institutions of BiH. Nevertheless, this scenario for the leading opposition party was expected.
“They feel that their reputation among the people and their support is falling, that they will lose the next elections and now they will start to slow down in relation to what they promised Covic and Dodik”, believes SDA president Bakir Izetbegovic.
Partially satisfied and disappointed – that’s how the EU Delegation’s comment on the failed meeting of state leaders could be characterized. They see no reason for political actors to insist on the headquarters in Banja Luka:
“In accordance with the opinion of the Venice Commission on this issue, the EU notes that when determining the headquarters, the proximity of key elements such as prosecutor’s offices, detention facilities and correctional facilities, and legal aid services should be taken into account.”
Ursula von der Leyen’s visit is also important because of the financial aspect. And it’s no secret that such gifts BiH politicians rejoice the most. There are still a few days left, and the moves of state leaders will be crucial.
“It all depends on the reforms that the BiH authorities will adopt at the last moment or not. Of course, then the politicians in BiHwill also calculate whether it is worthwhile for them to make reforms, even minimal ones,” stated Adi Cerimagic, an analyst of the initiative for European stability.
Blockades and ultimatums versus agreements and compromises. The options are before the leaders, and what they choose will decide in which direction the European future of BiH will move. After the failed talks and meetings, the state ministers will have an opportunity for corrections on Monday, with the hope that the European agenda will be more detailed and that not everything will remain on the adopted five reform laws, because there is still a lot of work to be done, Akta reports.
E.Dz.
