Speeches

Perhaps the most useful contribution I can make to today’s discussion is to examine the draft Law on Agriculture in its broad political context – we have with us an impressive (I might even say intimidating) array of technical experts. I will offer thoughts on its political significance.

The meetings of the Peace Implementation Council that are taking place today and tomorrow in Sarajevo are extremely important. They are important because they are about the future of this country. They are about the transition from peace implementation to Euro-Atlantic integration.

One of the suggested topics for this afternoon’s discussion is: “What will the role of the new High Representative be?” As I am the new High Representative I believe I am well placed to address this question.

I very much like the title of this event. It is being held to “recognize Regional Economic Development Success Stories”. In other words, the focus is on positive outcomes. Too often, particularly in politics, we become preoccupied with process and lose sight of the desired outcome. Businesspeople, however, are more straightforward – the desired [...]

The Stabilisation and Association negotiations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union are taking place.

I always particularly enjoy participating at events like this because the themes under discussion – competitiveness, business environment, trade facilitation, investment – are central to the challenges and opportunities of the global economy.

Politics only matters when it affects the livelihood and wellbeing of citizens, and nine times out of ten this happens at the municipal level. Laws are simply ideas until they make their way into the municipal rulebook. All of you, I think, will be familiar with the difficult recent history of Mostar. In the streets around us the political and mili [...]

I am here today because I believe that your work is important and that your views should be listened to. I think we can all agree that although exports have increased significantly, Bosnia and Herzegovina is not yet making full use of its free-trade access to EU markets and markets in the region. This is because the domestic business environment is [...]

It is a great pleasure for me to have this opportunity to talk to you today and discuss with you questions of importance to civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I would like to use this opportunity to commend the work of the NGO Council and the valuable services that you provide to your members.

Dynamic organizations evolve and adapt – I am particularly pleased therefore to be here in Belgrade at a Stability Pact meeting which will focus on agreeing the optimal configuration for the organization’s future. Change is needed so that the Stability Pact can build on the solid achievements of its first seven years and so that it can maximize th [...]