Ana Ješe on the EU's role in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In a commentary for Delo newspaper, Ana Ješe, professor for Eastern European Studies at the University of Bologna, calls on the EU to strengthen its commitment to political development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "One of the major problems of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina is its constitution, which is part of the Dayton Agreement. The problem is that the treaty was concluded by the leaders of three states, Alija Izetbegović [Bosnian Muslims], Slobodan Milošević [Serbia] und Franjo Tuđman [Croatia]. ... They agreed on a compromise that suited their appetite for territory, but no one sought to ask whether it would also function in practice. ... Many politicians agree that a solution to the problem is not possible without the US. ... That is a signal for the EU to do all it can to support the Bosnian reformers. ... The EU will certainly not leave the fate of its future member to Russia or the US. The Balkans are an area of European strategic interest, and Europe must take a firm stand here. Now that Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed the Stability and Association Agreement with the EU this year, the EU must act as mediator in negotiations on constitutional reform. EU membership could provide an incentive for a quicker agreement. The EU must also maintain the mandate of its High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, since the young Bosnian state ... needs an intermediary between the various interest groups."

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