The Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luigi Soreca, together with ambassadors and diplomats from 11 EU member states, visited Banja Luka today as part of the Europe Day celebration, participating in activities focused on youth and culture.
Soreca emphasized that Banja Luka is one of several cities across BiH he planned to visit.
“We are concluding a series of visits that began about ten days ago in Zenica. Activities continued in Sarajevo, Mostar, Sutjeska National Park, Tuzla, and today we are in Banja Luka. The goal of our visit is to once again speak about the European Union, its values, and its significance for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska,” Soreca stated.
He noted that the presence of other ambassadors in Banja Luka today sends an important message—that the European Union is the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska.
“We believe that the doors of the European Union are wide open, but at the same time, government representatives must do more to meet the conditions required for the formal opening of accession negotiations,” said the head of the EU Delegation.
Soreca recalled that it has been nearly a year since the European Council gave the green light to open negotiations, but unfortunately, the first Intergovernmental Conference has yet to be held.
“We know it will happen, but we are currently in a deep constitutional crisis, and we cannot ignore the fact that this crisis is currently blocking the EU path. The EU accession process is the best tool for long-term stability and security. We urge everyone to refocus on this process, adopt the necessary laws, appoint a chief negotiator, and ensure the country restarts this journey toward a future in the European Union, where it belongs,” Soreca emphasized.
He explained that he was in Banja Luka today with 14 colleagues to present the full range of benefits that the EU accession process brings to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We have implemented many projects in Banja Luka—supporting the reconstruction and construction of schools, playgrounds, and football fields. Together with the mayor, we are working on, hopefully soon, opening a European House in Banja Luka, which will serve as a space for citizens to meet and discuss the European Union and many other topics. We want the European Union to be present in Banja Luka, because this is a European city, and we want Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, and Banja Luka to join the EU,” said Soreca.
He concluded with a clear message: the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina are more than welcome in the European Union.
“We want you to join us. The doors are wide open. It is time to recommit to this goal, stop unconstitutional actions, and focus on the future. Happy Europe Day!” Soreca said in Banja Luka.
Source: RTRS
