Speeches

First of all let me say what a pleasure it is to take part in this conference, because the topic is central to the future development of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussions that have taken place here in Sarajevo over the last couple of days will, I hope, contribute to greater regional harmonisation of legal systems as a means of promoting faste [...]

When the EUSR started this series of meetings between BiH parliamentarians and their counterparts from the European Union and from countries that are seeking to join the EU, we were determined not to let the exercise become simply a forum for amiable and general discussion. We wanted to look at hard issues in a detailed and constructive way. We wan [...]

This gathering to “Meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in Vienna” presents a timely opportunity to connect BiH policymakers and businesspeople with their counterparts from Austria and other parts of the region.

High Representative Inzko, President Komsic, Speakers Belkic and Zivkovic, Minister Ahmetovic, President Kuzmanovic, Speaker Radojicic, Vice President Kebo, Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, friends of Brcko: on behalf of the District Speaker, Assembly, Mayor and Government, let me officially [...]

Today’s roundtable is the first event in the Centre for Policy and Governance and the Heinrich Boll Foundation’s EUROAD initiative.

“Kind words unlock doors, and build bridges, while harsh words can hurt you more than a rifle can,” a folk saying says. There is no alternative to dialogue in society, and to build a healthy society it is necessary to have a civilized culture of dialogue.

It is good to be back at the Faculty of Political Science. I was here last May, soon after I took up my duties as High Representative and EU Special Representative. On that occasion we had a lively exchange of opinion. I look forward to continuing this dialogue.

Next week the Political Directors of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board will meet in Sarajevo to review the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Soon after I began my work as High Representative and EU Special Representative I accepted an invitation to participate in a debate with BiH students. I was happy to do that because I am well aware that ideas and initiatives emerging from the universities can help to get Bosnia and Herzegovina out of its present very serious difficulties.

The Central Election Commission is a BiH institution that works. It has supervised a succession of efficiently run elections, and by doing this it has played a key role in maintaining the integrity of democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It must continue to play this role, and any attempt to exert influence or control over the Central Election Comm [...]