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 eight municipalities, including the most recent one in Bijeljina on 5 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.
During the debate in Bijeljina, some of the panellists pointed out that corruption and grey economy represent one of the key issues affecting BiH economy that cannot easily be remedied. The taxes on labour are high but it is equally important to see how the tax money is spent and how public expenditure may be more efficient, said one of the panellists.
Participants of the panel debate from agriculture and business sector as well as the representatives of craftsmen presented their projects and expressed hope that Compact will open additional possibilities to these sectors and that it will create better environment for business in general.
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 forthcoming event in Trebinje 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 30 employment opportunities.
After Tomislavgrad, Čapljina, Bihać, Sanski Most, Prijedor, Istočno Sarajevo, Foča and Bijeljina the initiative will visit a different municipality every week: Trebinje on 12 June, Travnik on 18 June, Vitez on 19 June, Brčko on 23 June, Doboj on 25 June, Tuzla on 26 June and Mostar on 29 June.
ST
