Prosperity for all citizens of Brcko is only possible if the momentum for reforms, created earlier this year, is accelerated, the Brcko District Supervisor, Michael Scanlan said, Wednesday, speaking to representatives of the District authorities about the recent developments in this northern-Bosnian region.

“Indicators of progress will be the completion of fiscalization by the end of June, and the adoption of a new law on the budget this fall. The strengthening of the rule of law and an increase in transparency in the budget process will help generate more revenue and promote greater fiscal discipline needed to ensure that government services fully meet the needs of the population,” Supervisor Scanlan said.

“The shared goal of the District’s political representatives should be the wellbeing of the District and all of its residents. Collective interests need to be put ahead of party or self-interests,” he added.

Michael Scanlan became the Principal Deputy of international community's High Representative, charged with overseeing the civilian implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia, and the Brcko District Supervisor in June this year.

The Brcko District is located in the north of the country, on the banks of the Sava river, is part of Bosnia and Herzegovina that is not dominated by either of the country's three constituent peoples.

After the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the country was sub-divided into two semi-autonomous entities – the Serb-dominated Republika Srpska and the Bosniak-Croat shared Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and the District.

The Principle Deputy argued that accelerated implementation of key infrastructure projects along with changes in laws to attract business investments should be the priorities for Brcko authorities.

“The modernisation of the Brcko Port should be completed by the end of next year. This will only serve to attract other donor initiatives and, together with efforts to ensure a sustainable energy supply – including through the adoption of a new Energy Strategy and new energy legislation by mid-2020 – will improve public services, encourage business incentives, and create new jobs,” the Supervisor noted.

He concluded saying that if Brcko does its part, the international community will be its partner as it seeks partners among Bosnian authorities who are committed to good governance practices.