The Initiative for Monitoring European Integrations of BiH welcomes the signing of the Written Commitment by the BiH Presidency which marks the first concrete step towards EU integrations undertaken by BiH institutions in their new term of office.
Although the value of such a Commitment is purely symbolic, it should definitely signal the start of reforms that are necessary if BiH is to begin its EU integration process and become an economically viable, efficient and socially responsible country. Of course, the Commitment will not mean much without the participation and support of all political actors in BiH and without prompt implementation of concrete steps in socio-economic reforms to which the Presidency has declared its commitment.
The Initiative for Monitoring European Integrations of BiH also welcomes the attitude of high EU representatives who have expressed the need for this process to include civil society but we also express concern at the fact that civil society has not already been included in the EU integration process as a crucial partner of BiH institutions and government representatives. It is telling that the BiH Presidency failed to consult civil society representatives while drafting the Written Commitment: we would like to point out that the continuation of this trend might jeopardize the entire reform process.
Finally, we would like to send a message to all political representatives and government institutions that there are no alternatives to EU integrations and that all particular interests must take a back seat when it comes to this process. These reforms will bring about solutions that will not be to everyone’s liking, but we must not allow petty politics to block the process, which was almost the case with planning and implementing the Written Commitment of the Presidency. We ask for transparency in the process of planning and implementing reforms on all levels and in all areas, and we condemn any attempt to block the reform process. The necessary reforms must be carried out, even if they include cutting privileges, reducing income or transferring competence, as it is the only way to prevent EU member countries from giving up on this final chance they have given to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
To conclude: we call upon the BiH Parliament as well as all parties in the BiH Parliament, representatives of political parties and institutions on all levels to include us in this process and to commit all forces to carrying out the necessary reforms as soon as possible. Other relevant partners, especially civil society representatives should also be included in the reform process. We also call upon EU representatives to maintain consistency in their requests and prevent political bickering such as we have witnessed in the last few years from compromising it.
Sarajevo, January 31, 2014
The Initiative for Monitoring European Integrations of BiH