EU Spec Rep in Banja Luka: Stop unconstitutional actions

Soreca, together with ambassadors and diplomats from 11 EU member states, visited Banja Luka to mark Europe Day.

Following visits to several cities and activities in Sutjeska, the EU ambassadors met with local citizens.

"We have implemented so many projects in the city of Banja Luka, we have built new schools, playgrounds, football fields. We are now working with the Mayor to open - hopefully soon - a Europe House in Banja Luka – a place where citizens of Banja Luka can come, use the place for their meetings, discussions on European Union issues or many others. We want the EU to be visible in Banja Luka because Banja Luka is European and we would like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, Banja Luka to join the EU", he said.

He reminded that nearly a year has passed since the European Council gave the green light for opening pre-accession negotiations, but that we are still in a situation where the first intergovernmental conference has not taken place.

"We hope that will happen, but unfortunately now we are in a deep constitutional crisis and we have to acknowledge the fact that this crisis is now blocking the path to the EU. The EU process is the best tool for stability, for long-term security. Our call is to focus back on this process, do what is necessary to be done, adopt the laws, appoint the Chief Negotiator, make sure that the country restarts this process to the future where it belongs – Europe, and the European Union".

He added that the European Union is not just about regulations, directives, and standards, but above all a vision, with people at its core.

"Here in Banja Luka, we are here together with 14 of my colleagues to explain the concrete benefits that EU brings to the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Banja Luka and in Republika Srpska", he said.

"To conclude, a clear message – you are very much welcome in the European Union. We want you to join us, the door is wide open, we need to focus back on this issue. We need to stop taking unconstitutional actions and focus on the future. This is the Day of Europe", he added.