“What does the Compact for Growth and Jobs mean?” – in Doboj and Tuzla

Through a series of one day events and promotional activities in 15 cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina the Office of the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina is continuing with the implementation of its initiative to support public debate on socio – economic reforms.

During the one-day events organised so far in twelve municipalities, including the most recent one in Brčko on 23 June, 2015, the most common socio – economic problems such as high unemployment rates, lack of investments, brain drain, improperly targeted social protection, the link between education and the labour market etc. were discussed by members of the public and private sectors, students, unemployed people as well as the general public.

In the course of discussion in Brčko both, panellists and participating citizens agreed upon a fact that reforms need to take place as soon as possible since BiH has stayed far behind the countries in the region. The EU had initiated reforms, thousands of citizens participated in the debates on Compact for Growth and Jobs, but genuine reform process would have to start with changes, emphasized majority of citizens. Small and medium enterprises and investments are crucial for creation of better business environment. Only one satisfied investor will encourage additional three investors to join. BiH citizens need to strengthen their entrepreneurship skills and readiness to start up their own business, noted participants.

The EUSR initiative follows the publication of the ‘Compact for Growth and Jobs’ in July 2014 and the call for a reform agenda for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Conclusions of the Council of the European Union from December 2014.

The event in Doboj on 25 June and Tuzla on 26 June on each day will include:

• 11:00 – Public debate on the Compact and focused on the most-needed reforms and the opportunities for all groups of BiH society.
• 13:30 – Employment and Career Forum during which around 15 exhibitors will present around 210 employment opportunities.

After Tomislavgrad, Čapljina, Bihać, Sanski Most, Prijedor, Istočno Sarajevo, Foča, Bijeljina, Trebinje, Travnik, Vitez and Brčko the initiative will visit a different municipality every week: Doboj on 25 June, Tuzla on 26 June and Mostar on 29 June.

ST