Real and rapid progress can be made in EU integration and in addressing social and economic challenges that affect the daily lives of BiH citizens, as long as discussion of political challenges left over from the war is not allowed “to suck all the energy out of the political and legislative process,” High Representative and EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák told an international conference in Sarajevo today.

He said that practical social and economic reforms are being mixed in into areas where deep-rooted division exists thus slowing progress across the board.

“We are constantly reminded that Bosnia and Herzegovina is subject to powerful centrifugal forces,” the HR/EUSR told participants at the Crans Montana Forum. “These forces are particularly powerful when politicians give in to the temptation to articulate fears instead of hopes,” he said. But he added that “people forget that the momentum towards prosperity and democracy in Europe is much more powerful.”

The HR/EUSR called on the three prime ministers to continue fulfilling the commitments they made in last October’s Platform for Action to implement economic reforms that will quickly deliver major benefits to citizens. These include introducing a countrywide commercial code and establishing a modern banking supervision system at state level.

Both of these reforms are European Partnership requirements.

The HR/EUSR said, “Despite recurrent political crises and uneven progress in tackling poverty and corruption, Bosnia and Herzegovina is moving in the direction its people want to move.” He said this was “good news for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s neighbours in the region, good news for the European Union, and above all good news for the citizens of this country.”