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SARAJEVO, November 5 (FENA) - The next year should be used to achieve political and economic progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the European integration process, and create a spark of hope for BiH citizens who are tired after so many years spent in vain, it was pointed out today during an online briefing for the media organized by the European Union in BiH within the project "Together we are EUrope".
Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative Johann Sattler and Head of Operations Section in the EU Delegation to BiH Richard Masa spoke about the priorities set out in the European Commission's Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for EU membership from May 2019, i.e. the findings of the Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2020, and key elements of the proposed Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.
Certain shifts have been noticed in the past five months, and in order to take advantage of the opportunity that exists for BiH, as it was said, 14 key priorities from the Opinion of the European Commission are very important.
The Constitution of BiH is not in line with the European Convention on Human Rights regarding the decision in the Sejdić-Finci case and other decisions, and that, as it was pointed out, must change. No progress has been made in improving the electoral framework in line with European standards and work is also needed. It is very important, as it was pointed out, to improve the electoral system and examine the possibilities, especially when it comes to electronic counting of votes.
Progress is also expected in the area of justice, including the adoption of amendments to the Law on the HJPC that will enable the integrity of judges and prosecutors.
As regards fundamental rights, although the legislative and institutional framework is largely in place, the adoption of a comprehensive strategic framework remains.
As assessed in the European Report, measures to improve transport and energy infrastructure remain insufficient.
Nine billion euros is the value of the proposed Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, which seeks to boost the region's long-term economic recovery and regional economic integration, which is now all the more necessary because of the negative consequences of Covid 19.
The Plan envisions ten flagship investment initiatives in key areas of economic development, such as sustainable transport and energy connectivity, green and digital transformation, strengthening private sector competitiveness and supporting health, education and social protection, including the Youth Guarantee Fund for creating jobs for young people.
One of the initiatives includes Corridor Vc and envisions the completion of 75 percent of the main north-south road corridor that connects Central European capitals via Sarajevo to the port of Ploče, in line with motorway standards.
(FENA) A. B.
