Soreca: Citizens of BiH have repeatedly shown the ability to exceed expectations

That was one of the messages during his address at a reception held last night in Sarajevo marking May 9, Europe Day, and the 30th anniversary of the EU’s presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In his address, Soreca recalled that every year in May, Europe celebrates the idea shaped by the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, when the then French foreign minister announced a plan to secure lasting peace and prosperity across the continent.

“Today, the international rules-based system established after World War II is under pressure like never before. Therefore, Europe Day remains a call to action, a call to build a fairer, safer and more sustainable Europe, a call to protect our shared principles, and a call to complete the European Union through enlargement, including Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Soreca said.

He noted that this year also marks 30 years of the EU’s presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, after the European Commission opened its office in Sarajevo in 1996 to coordinate the delivery of essential assistance.

“Since then, the EU has been a loyal partner, consistently showing solidarity with the citizens of this country,” he emphasized.

Soreca also pointed out that, alongside strengthening the partnership on BiH’s path toward the EU, investments are being made in socio-economic reforms that prepare the country for membership.

“In that process, new jobs are being created and local communities are already unlocking their potential. The EU is not something distant. Already today, 73 percent of trade and approximately 60 percent of foreign direct investment are with and from the European Union. This demonstrates the importance of the EU, but also the importance of each member state for this country,” Soreca said.

He thanked Team Europe in BiH for its continuous and constructive support, saying that by acting together, they can achieve more concrete and stronger results for the benefit of the citizens of BiH and the EU.

Among other things, Soreca stressed that the experience of countries that have become EU members shows that the European path brings stronger economic development, a higher standard of living, a more stable business environment, and stronger democratic institutions and rule of law.

“However, we cannot want EU membership for Bosnia and Herzegovina more than the authorities of this country do. It is well known that the decision-making framework in BiH often means that decisions take time. It is also understood that trust, dialogue and political will are necessary for the system to function, and it has been weak for some time. Nevertheless, leadership comes down to showing vision, courage and determination,” the Head of the EU Delegation said, once again calling on BiH authorities to do what is best for the country and its citizens and to seize the opportunities the EU has made available.

He also warned that, despite understanding the complex political circumstances in BiH, the European Union operates according to clearly defined procedures and deadlines, meaning that failure to urgently implement reforms from the Growth Plan could jeopardize BiH’s access to 373 million euros in funding.

“Furthermore, if the Law on Courts and the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council are not adopted in line with European standards, and if a chief negotiator is not appointed, it will not be possible to formally launch accession negotiations, which the citizens and we have been waiting for for so long,” he stressed, adding that inaction carries consequences.

He said that every euro lost from the reform agenda means fewer investments in the country’s development, while delays in rule of law reforms further undermine citizens’ security and weaken the economy’s competitiveness.

“This country is not performing well, and we would like to see its full potential realized,” Soreca stressed.

He noted that through meetings with citizens from different sectors, he sees every day how important the European path is for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Entrepreneurs who know that greater access to the EU single market is key to their business are pleased that BiH will become part of CEFTA. Students planning to study in Europe through the Erasmus Plus program, researchers using Horizon Europe, artists receiving support through the Creative Europe program. I know that the majority of citizens in both entities and the Brcko District continue to support EU membership,” Soreca said, emphasizing that what is currently lacking is action by elected representatives.

The Head of the EU Delegation also said that during nearly two years in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he had come to appreciate many qualities of the country, in which he recognizes similarities with his native Naples.

“Warm-hearted people, a love for good food, spirit and culture, and the ability to outperform internationally in areas such as sports and music,” he said, concluding that the citizens of BiH have repeatedly shown the ability to exceed expectations, even when many doubted it was possible.

Europe Day has been marked on May 9 since 1950, when Robert Schuman, then French foreign minister, presented his proposal for the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community. That proposal, better known as the Schuman Declaration, is considered the beginning of the creation of the European Union.

In 1985, the Council of the European Union in Milan decided that May 9 would be celebrated each year as Europe Day. Activities and festivals are held throughout the day to bring Europe closer to its citizens. All European Union institutions are open to visitors on that day. The slogan of accompanying activities is determined each year by the country holding the presidency of the European Union.