Speeches

We are here today to say that the Vijećnica is in all our hearts, and especially in mine.

It is a pleasure to be here – particularly as today’s event launches an initiative in one of the most dynamic and successful sectors of the BiH economy. For many years now, the tourism sector has shown – in terms of job creation, investment and consumer satisfaction – the enormous potential of this economy and of the country as a whole.

The political landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina has changed since we last celebrated Europe Day. Civil society in this country is finding its voice and this will surely resonate with the European Movement, which has been a pioneer in bringing communities – including those beyond the main towns and cities – into the forum of public debate.

I would like to focus on the question of national minorities in the broader context of citizenship – what citizenship means in the twenty-first century; and how a reaffirmed sense of citizenship can be an element in resolving major foreign-policy and social issues that we are facing in Europe today.

My appointment as High Representative was made by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council and endorsed by the UN Security Council.

Today, on the fourteenth anniversary of the inauguration of Brcko District, we have an opportunity to review the achievements of the past year and assess whether or not the District has maintained the positive trajectory that has made it – for more than a decade – one of the success stories of post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It will only participate competitively if political and administrative steps are taken to allow more companies to start work here and to allow these companies to operate in an optimal way, so that they can create jobs.