MEPs: The political elites of Bosnia and Herzegovina still lack a joint vision of its overall direction

21-3-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The political elites of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) still lack a joint vision of its overall direction, and the is country falling further behind others in the region, warned the Foreign Affairs Committee in Thursday’s vote on the EU’s 2012 progress report on BiH. The country needs consistent commitment by political leaders at all levels and fully-functional institutions, said MEPs.

Substantial constitutional reform, at both federal and entity levels, is urgently needed to turn BiH into a fully-functioning democracy, MEPs stressed. The structure of the federation must be simplified, they said, calling for an inclusive constitutional process involving all parties and communities of the country. They also insisted that the population census must take place in October 2013 and must not be politicized.

Reform public administration

MEPs voice concerns about the high level of corruption in BiH and its link to political parties, adding that the lack of political support for the reform of public administration and its financial sustainability are also worrying. Apart from that reform, BiH authorities should also,  as a matter of urgency and with the EU’s help, build an efficient coordination mechanism for better engagement with the EU.

Empower women and youth

The authorities must ensure real protection of women, who are often victims of domestic violence, forced prostitution and trafficking, MEPs insist. Women must be empowered, by increasing their presence on the labour market and ensuring their fair representation in political and business life. The high unemployment rates of women and young people must urgently be remedied, MEPs say; calling for an improvement in the overall quality of education to meet labour market needs.

Prepare for Croatia’s EU membership

BiH must step up its preparations for Croatia’s accession to the EU, MEPs say. They welcome the progress so far in building the necessary border infrastructure but worry that unless BiH aligns its food safety legislation with the EU acquis, it could lose its export markets.

Srebrenica genocide

The committee also “strongly condemns any attempts, in BiH or anywhere in the world, to minimise or deny the genocide which took place in Srebrenica”.

Next steps

The resolution was adopted by 59 to 2, with 3 abstentions. Rapporteur Doris Pack (EPP, DE) has asked that the resolution be put to a plenary vote during the May plenary session in Strasbourg.

In the chair: Elmar Brok (EPP, DE)

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