Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, stated that no significant progress has been made within the Berlin Process following Bosnia and Herzegovina’s candidacy status and the beginning of negotiations for EU membership.
“The fact is that we have the Berlin Process, which has been dragging on for more than 20 years regarding the Western Balkans, and there has been no significant progress aside from receiving candidate status and starting negotiations. In this regard, much depends on the EU itself—on how much it can demonstrate commitment, readiness, and willingness to integrate the Western Balkans into the Union,” said Cvijanović.
She emphasized that much will also depend on political positions and events, as well as economic developments within the EU.
“We shouldn’t deceive ourselves by saying that everything depends solely on us. Within the Berlin Process, there are elements we’ve already encountered, such as the renewal of certain agreements, protocols, and the like,” Cvijanović added.
She mentioned that there is not enough political understanding in the region, despite existing economic ties and infrastructural connectivity, but that is still insufficient to claim that balance has been achieved.
Cvijanović pointed out that the next steps are expected on the European path, following the granting of candidate status.
“In general, the green light has been given to start negotiations, but I’m not overly optimistic that things will move forward quickly,” she said.
She identified internal problems within Bosnia and Herzegovina and the existence of certain structures opposing the Constitution of BiH as the greatest obstacles.
“From Republika Srpska, we insist that everything is possible if the Constitution is respected and when everyone is involved in the processes. This will continue to be our stance, and there will be no deviations from that. We also understand that things must be coordinated,” concluded Cvijanović.
Source: RTRS
