The interview was originally published on web portal klix.ba on 12 August 2015
Is BiH making process in its European integration process?
We welcome the fact that the Reform Agenda has been approved by the authorities in BiH. It’s a step forward. We believe that reforms are the right answer for helping BiH’s economic growth and reducing unemployment. Reforms will be difficult, but will ultimately benefit everybody. Some are objecting to these reforms, and will try to hold on to their privileged positions. But it is time for everybody to have an equal opportunity and we urge people to support their elected governments’ reform efforts.The EU’s view is that it is time to set aside political party differences and look at the greater good for everyone. In February this year, all 14 major political parties, whether in authority or not, signed a commitment to the EU that they will support the reform process and move forward towards closer integration with the EU.
The EU’s Foreign Affairs Council has already promised that measurable progress in implementing the Reform Agenda could lead to the next step – an application for membership being accepted.
Is the new FBiH Labour law in line with European standards?
It’s more in line with European principles than the previous law. The Labour Law adopted by the FBiH Government and Parliament last week includes 26 articles strengthening the rights of workers, for example through generous maternity and paternity benefits. But the new law will also allow employees and employers to adapt to changing circumstances, and this is very important when promoting investment.
New labour laws and practices will be a crucial element in improving the BiH business environment. Flexibility in the labour market must be increased and people’s chance of finding decent employment—especially young people—needs to improve dramatically. Everybody having equal access to employment opportunities is a fundamental economic and social right enshrined in many international conventions. The new labour laws are intended to make employment secure and fair, rather than exclusive.
According to your estimate, when can we expect BiH to have a status of candidate country?
By moving to a position where BiH can eventually become part of the EU single, free trade market, the aim is indeed to boost economic growth and generate employment. The current situation is concerning. With each year passing, Bosnia and Herzegovina is falling further behind its neighbours in terms of the business environment and other policies necessary to encourage investment and create new jobs. According to Eurostat’s latest figures, BiH now has the lowest GDP in purchasing power parity in Europe and is lagging behind comparable neighbours in the Western Balkans region. As a result, the overall unemployment rate stands at over a quarter of the workforce and the rate of youth unemployment is the highest in Europe. It is time to begin to reverse this trend and offer to all citizens, regardless of their political or ethnic affiliation, real access to good jobs that match their skills and qualifications.
It’s not just about “liberalization”. It’s also about strengthening the links between education and the labour market; reforming the business environment and making tax systems and public finances sustainable- and reducing the size and role of the public sector.
Is the liberalization of the market going to lower the number of unemployed in BiH?
This depends mainly on the progress made by Bosnia and Herzegovina. The faster reforms are implemented and EU criteria met, the sooner this can happen.
What is your opinion regarding the announced Referendum in the RS on the state judiciary?
Holding a referendum on the state judiciary in Republika Srpska would challenge the cohesion, sovereignty and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The leaders of all the political parties represented in the BiH Parliament, including entity President Dodik, committed themselves to these in February 2015. Holding a referendum risks also undermining closer integration with the EU, which all political leaders have also said they are committed to.
It distracts the attention from the real social and economic problems which people in this country face on a daily basis. The focus should be on stabilising the economy and creating new jobs, particularly for young people, improving rule of law and tackling corruption.
