The Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina Lars Gunnar Wigemark visited Foca Municipality within the “Local Community Takes Initiative” project, initiated by the EU. The aim of this project is to initiate a public debate in 15 local communities in Bosnia on all the challenges and advantages offered by the EU integration process.

“Local communities will have the most benefits of the European integration process, which is why we're here to talk about the most pressing issues for the residents of Foca, such as economy, education, quality healthcare and tackling the unemployment issue,” said Wigemark.  

He praised Foca's cooperation with the neighbouring municipalities and its traditional links with Serbia and Montenegro, which are of particular importance for the Western Balkans’ European integration process.  

Apart from Wigemark, every public debate is hosted by a different European Ambassador to Bosnia. The Foca public debate was hosted by Wigemark and the German Ambassador to Bosnia Christiane Hohmann who said positive changes awaited Bosnia and that the integration process would improve economic growth and living conditions.  

Debate participants later talked to ambassadors, as well as regional and local experts about improvements to road infrastructure, the business climate, construction of industrial zones and the harmonization of conditions of work in the private and public sectors.  

After the debate, organizers hosted an exhibition that showcased projects financed by the EU and other donors who have contributed to the economic and sustainable development of local communities.