EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Catherine Ashton visited Sarajevo last week to meet with BiH leaders, as well as civil society representatives. Along with other subjects, HR Ashton’s meetings with BiH officials focused on the EU’s economic support to BiH. Her meeting with civil society leaders focused on “the causes of the recent protests in Bosnia and Herzegovina and what action civil society recommends to help Bosnia and Herzegovina move forward in its EU integration. Participants were drawn from across the country and included people who participated in plenums, organisations dealing with human rights, environmental issues, think tanks and the media sector.”
In statements to the press following her meetings, HR Ashton spoke about the issues that must be addressed in order for BiH to move forward.
I strongly believe that the leaders need to focus on:
• Reforming the economy, the social welfare system and promoting trade;
• Strengthening the rule of law;
• Protecting human rights.The legitimate concerns of citizens arising from social and economic grievances were very clearly heard in the capitals of the European Union. They need to be heard and understood here as well. We agree that violence is not acceptable, but we know that urgent action is needed.
Because right now Bosnia and Herzegovina is falling very seriously behind on this agenda, while its neighbours are moving forward. And the crucial element here is the political will of the leaders.
So I call on the political leaders to listen, to take responsibility and to act. And to do this now.
