The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina will begin to benefit from new opportunities emerging all across Southeast Europe – but only when their political leaders establish a basis for constructive politics, High Representative and EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko said during a series of high-level meetings in Dubrovnik.

During these meetings at the margins of the fifth international Croatia Summit the HR/EUSR again stressed that Bosnia and Herzegovina has abundant human and natural resources and that it could benefit “enormously and rapidly” from the positive atmosphere that has spread throughout the region.

“The regional environment is now better than it has been at any time since the end of the conflict,” the HR/EUSR said. “This means that Western Balkan states can cooperate to mutual advantage as they move towards the common goal of complete Euro-Atlantic integration. There is absolutely no reason why Bosnia and Herzegovina should be behind its neighbours in this. It is a self-inflicted wound, and the politicians responsible need to explain why they have disappointed their constituents.”

The HR/EUSR said the election campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina could be turned into an opportunity. “Voters can ask candidates to explain job losses and the rise in crime and poverty,” he said. “That way this can become a debate about real problems and real solutions. Elections are about choice, and the people of BiH can choose between deadlock and progress.”