Von der Leyen: 'You are part of Europe, your future is Europe'

"You belong in our Union. It was so moving to see the European flag shine on three landmark monuments in Sarajevo, Banja Luka and in Mostar – to celebrate our proposal to make Bosnia and Herzegovina a candidate for EU membership. Because our flag will be your flag, too. It belongs in this country. And this is why I came here today," said Von der Leyen.

She emphasized that the message that she wants to convey to all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina is that "you are part of Europe, your future is Europe".

"And this is not primarily because of our proposal to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status. It is because the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina deeply believe in Europe. Over three-quarters of your citizens support EU membership. There is a solid majority in favor of it in all parts of the country," she said. 

She said that this faith in Europe is even stronger among young people. For young people in this country, Europe means economic prosperity and freedom of movement. But it’s not just that.

"The path towards our Union is also the path towards a better Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is about turning this country into the country of their dreams," said the EC president. 

She reminded that the new leadership of this country can make their dream come true.

"With your political work the country has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to move forward. This is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s moment, and I would like to encourage everyone of you to seize this moment. This is also the meaning of our recommendation to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina," she said. 

She said that the last four years have not been easy because of Covid, because of the war in Ukraine, and deep political divisions.

She added that even in difficult circumstances, some progress has been made such as on public procurement, in achieving membership of the Union civil protection mechanism, and earlier this week, on Europol cooperation.

She stressed that now is the time for the country to come together once again, and advance on the path toward our Union.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina will be a country where everyone is equal before the law. A country where young people unfold their talent and hard work into success. They love their country. They want opportunities here. A country that is attractive to investors. A country where everyone feels represented - people who identify as Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats, as well as people who just feel like citizens of this country," stated Von der Leyen.

She said that the path that leads to Europe is clear.

"And the door is open. And it is up to you to walk together through this door," she stressed.

"This is your historic responsibility as the new leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina. But we will always be at your side. Our proposal for candidate status is a clear political statement. And we will support your reforms, and accompany you all the way through. We are ready to push the integration of our economies even further, with no further delay," she said. 

EC President said that a lot of good work is already ongoing. She reminded that one year ago, during her last visit, she crossed an EU-funded bridge that links Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

She announced that the European Union is putting together an Energy Support Package for the Western Balkans. It will include 71 million for the short term to address the fallout of higher energy prices for businesses and vulnerable households right here in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And in the medium term, it will speed up the transition towards more reliable sources of energy.

"These are times of rapid change in the Western Balkans and in Europe. We have opened accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. We have granted candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, and recognised Georgia’s European perspective. There is new momentum to bring the European family together. And now, Bosnia and Herzegovina is moving ahead too," stated the President of the European Commission saying that she is in Sarajevo, celebrating a new page in our common history.

She stated that if Bosnia and Herzegovina finds unity of purpose, there is nothing that can stop you.

Von der Leyen said that this summer, the success story of one young girl from Mostar literally made waves through the world.

She said that 16-year-old swimmer Lana Pudar won European gold in the women’s 200-meter butterfly, and broke all Bosnian records.

"Her story is the story of this country. It was not easy for her to train, in a city that lacks an Olympic-size swimming pool. But Lana has made it against all odds. And now, because of her success, a new Olympic swimming pool will be built in Mostar. Lana has become a symbol, not just in her hometown, not just in her community, but all across the country. Her victory has been celebrated by all people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in all entities and across boundaries. This is the dream of your young people. The dream of a country united in its diversity, and united with its neighbours in one European family.  And this dream can be realised. Let’s work for it – together," concluded the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

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(FENA) A. B.

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