Debate: The situation in Bosnia Herzegovina
Date: TUESDAY, 8 MARCH 2022
Speaker: Olivér Várhelyi
Language: EN

Once again, we are witnessing extreme human suffering, with many lives lost and millions fleeing Ukraine. The last weeks and the changing geopolitical constellations have brought the need for peace back on to the top of our agenda. This also means that the stability and security of the Western Balkans has never been so important as it is today.  The debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is very timely. I met Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political leadership for the first time in 2020. We discussed what needed to be done for the candidate status for that country. The agreement on the election in Mostar, after 12 years of blockage, was a breakthrough and gave us fresh impetus after years of standstill.  Unfortunately, 2021 was a lost year for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although it was not an election year, we have seen no real progress on the EU path and on the implementation of the 14 key priorities. Indeed, we have seen growing political divisions throughout the country at different levels. These divisions were aggravated even further with the non-recognition of the new High Representative and with the boycotting of state institutions. All of this is negatively affecting not just Bosnia and Herzegovina on its EU path, but also the everyday life of the people and businesses.  We need constructive dialogue and political will from all sides to move forward on the EU path. This is all the more important in the changed international context following Russia’s war on Ukraine. These events have in fact confirmed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European commitment. The country has aligned with the EU statements and decisions on Ukraine, which we very much welcome.  A lot of hope and efforts have been put in the ongoing talks on the electoral and constitutional reform. But the solution is not there yet. It should be found urgently and without any further delay. Fair, free and inclusive elections must take place in October, as scheduled. The Minister of Finance needs swiftly to put the required budget at the disposal of the Central Electoral Commission to organise the electoral procedures. The continued boycott of decision-making at different levels – Presidency and Council of Ministers – could jeopardise significant investments, including investments coming from the Economic and Investment Plan. As I have stressed several times to the representatives of Republika Srpska, there is a need for urgent steps to de-escalate tensions, to avoid further rhetoric and to ensure the swift return to state institutions and ensure their full functioning. The impact is already visible.  Two weeks ago, we have launched a EUR 3.2 billion investment package to support 21 transport, digital, climate and energy connectivity projects in the Western Balkans. The package includes the investment projects submitted by Bosnia and Herzegovina, of which two – of road and rail connections along Corridor Vc – are on the territory of the Republika Srpska.  The Commission intends to sign the respective contribution agreements for these two investments – worth EUR 600 million, only after the return to the full functioning of state institutions. Bosnia and Herzegovina is key for the future of the Western Balkans. The region’s future is in the European Union. Instead of in-fighting, the country should focus on the positive and constructive European agenda. This is the agenda with real gains and real benefits for everyone. It is the agenda that brings prosperity, stability and peace long term, and this is the agenda on which we need to work together.