Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-05-17-Speech-4-180"
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"en.20010517.8.4-180"2
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".
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the Commission shares Parliament's horror and revulsion at the incidents in Trebinje and Banja Luka. My colleague Chris Patten, who is responsible for this area of work, is visiting Bosnia this afternoon. He has issued a statement condemning the violence and demanding that the
authorities find those responsible and make sure they face justice.
When deciding on the restructuring or cancellation of assistance, it must be borne in mind that the CARDS programme provides support for major structural projects – such as refugee return, human rights, judicial reform, and the development of an independent media – which are a priority for the EU. Abandoning these projects would merely give fresh impetus to the extremists in Bosnia, who are also hostile to projects of this kind.
In contrast to CARDS, the Commission's reciprocal macrofinancial assistance is not linked to specific conditions. The assistance is provided as part of a coherent macroeconomic package which was agreed by the authorities in the region and is supported by the international financial institutions. Due to the specific conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, the Commission tries to ensure that the overall political environment, that is, the political reality on the ground, is as favourable as possible and that the macroeconomic assistance ties in with other measures taken by the Community.
As regards the Croats' 'self-rule' within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Commission fully supports the High Representative's decision to remove Mr Jelavic from his position as a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and his appeal to the Bosnian Croats to support the development of a stable multi-ethnic state.
Let me make one thing quite clear: the recent incidents do not further the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into European structures in any way; nor do they enhance the country's international reputation, especially among donors. On the contrary, the incidents make it even more difficult to attract the funds which Bosnia so urgently needs, and on which it continues to depend.
The European Union will not withdraw from Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will continue our efforts to promote the reconstruction of the country and support the many citizens who yearn to live a life in peace. However, the country's internal problems cannot be resolved merely by concluding a Stabilisation and Association Agreement or offering the prospect of closer relations with the European Union.
Instead, a key prerequisite for the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the European Union is that the country itself undergoes a profound transformation at domestic level and that in doing so, it respects the fundamental values, such as human and minority rights, on which the European Union is founded. This transformation process is indispensable if integration into the EU is to bring additional benefits in terms of stability, security and economic development.
In the European Union's view, the progress achieved by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the stabilisation and association process are the test of the country's willingness to complete this transformation. Above all, we expect progress in implementing the specific measures agreed a year ago as part of the 'Road Map', which include refugee return.
Of the 18 measures in total, just 5 have been fully implemented so far. A further 9 have been partially implemented, while 4 have still not been addressed at all. Yet the next phase of the process, that is, the feasibility study, cannot begin until all the measures have been implemented.
As part of the CARDS programme, the Commission will continue to focus its assistance on target groups which promote refugee return and the reconciliation process. Out of a total of EUR 105.3 million in funding for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2001, EUR 37.3 million – by far the largest individual amount – will be used to support refugee return. Of this figure, around 16 million are earmarked for the fostering of integration, reconciliation and institution-building, which includes strengthening the constitutional court and three human rights bodies.
In line with the calls voiced here by the honourable Members, the assistance provided within the CARDS framework is linked to conditions. As there have been more obstacles to refugee return in the
than in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
has received less funding in this area."@en1
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