In the beginning of December, Oslobodjenje journalist Daniel Omeragic visited Brussels and Strasbourg within the framework of the EU Visitors Programme (EUVP). EUVP’s aim is to enable young leaders, potential leaders and public opinion creators from non-EU Member States to obtain first-hand impressions of the EU’s policies, Institutions and achievements and to increase the mutual understanding between professionals from non-EU countries and their EU counterparts.

What was the aim of your visit to Brussels and what was your personal and journalistic aim when accepting the invitation?

I want to thank the EU Delegation to BiH for inviting me to participate in the EUVP programme, as well as the organizers in Brussels who made sure that the visit is successful. I was pleased by the possibility given to me – to visit the EU institutions and meet with people who work there. I knew about this programme that provides young people from countries that are not members of the EU a great opportunity, to on the spot – in Brussels and Strasbourg – find out what is actually the European Union and how its institutions function. Therefore, my pleasure was even greater to have the opportunity to gain a picture of the EU first hand. Acquaintances I have made in Brussels will, hopefully, help me following the process of European integration in the future. In addition, I had the opportunity to visit the Belgian Parliament, to learn how it works and to draw a parallel with the parliamentary system in BiH and its complex structure. I also visited the BiH Mission to the EU and spoke with the Head of Mission Ambassador Igor Davidovic, who introduced me to the objectives and results of this diplomatic mission of BiH and what daily contacts with officials of the European institutions he has. My journalistic aim to find out first-hand how do the European Parliament, the European Commission and other EU bodies operate and to meet people who work there is fully realized.

What is the impression after a visit to Brussels, where is BiH in European story and what are the perspectives of BiH in the coming period?

The impression is very positive. In Brussels, BiH is viewed as a country which, due its geographical position, its history, hardworking and educated people undoubtedly belongs to the European family. But, on the other hand, in order to become a member of the EU, BiH will have to fulfil all the required conditions and there will be no loosening. There is no doubt that the future of the whole Western Balkans, including BiH, is closely associated with the EU. Just look at our neighbourhood: Slovenia has long been a member of the EU, Croatia became a Member-State this summer, Montenegro started negotiations with the EU after obtaining candidate status, Serbia and Kosovo moved far ahead in mutual negotiation process which brings them closer to the EU as well. EU itself is currently burdened by its internal problems caused primarily by the economic crisis and BiH is not high on its list of priorities these days. However, this does not mean that we are forgotten in Brussels. On the contrary.

From your point of view, especially after a visit which gave you the opportunity to speak with many competent persons in the European Commission, what are priority steps and activities for BiH and does BiH have a chance to move forwards?

Nothing has changed for a long time. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), which Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union signed in 2008, has to come into force but it is necessary to implement the decision of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg in the “Sejdic and Finci v. BiH” case and to adopt effective EU coordination mechanism. This will remain the priority for BiH and it was repeatedly emphasized in the discussions that I had in Brussels. Also, the authorities in BiH are expected to start energetic fight against corruption. The message is clear: BiH itself must solve its own internal problems, because the EU does not want to accept in its membership a country that will bring the problems into it. So, we have a chance to move forwards in the EU accession process and the EU is willing to help. And how quickly BiH moves towards Europe depends on the BiH authorities and when BiH authorities will start to fulfil its obligations, but also on how will we all, as a part of the society, adopt and implement the standards of the EU that were reached long ago.