Sarajevo: 3 February 2010
The European Fund for the Balkans and the Association Alumni of the Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies (ACIPS) in cooperation with Gallup Europe organized a panel discussion “Visa liberalization for Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Chance which should not be missed”
The discussion was held at the ACIPS premises, in Sarajevo, on Wednesday 3 February 2010. The event was opened by Mr. Igor Bandovic - EFB Programme Manager and Mr. Sanel Huskic – President of ACIPS organization. The panel was moderated by Mr. Adnan Rodnic, journalist, who after a short introduction of the speakers gave the word to Andrzej Pyrka, researcher and analyst at Gallup Europe, who presented the country specific results for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mr. Nedeljko Masleša, Assistant Director of the Directorate of European Integration, presented the results of the work of his institution and stated the importance of the attitudes and the opinions of ordinary citizens when talking about the EU accession process. He also said that visa liberalization is important but not the only process where Bosnia and Herzegovina reforms are taking place.
Mrs. Alida Vračić, director of think-tank Populari, presented the results of the research on visa liberalization process which was carried by this organization and gave short assessment of the results and the future prospects for the entire process. She said it can be expected that the visa free travel for Bosnia and Herzegovina will be granted later this year.
Mr. Vehid Šehić, president of the Forum of Tuzla Citizens, said that, although the process of visa liberalization is important, there is a need to look at the inner reforms in the country. He said that the political elite is irresponsible and corruptive, and these factors are the roots of the Bosnia and Herzegovina stalemate.
Moderator Adnan Rodnic, then gave a word to Mr. Faruk Boric, editor of “Oslobodjenje”, daily newspaper. Mr. Boric shared his somewhat more pessimistic views about the integration process, stating that ethnic divisions and lack of opportunities for ordinary citizens can stop the process of EU integration. He also said that the benefits of free visa travel, once granted, will be enjoyed only by the limited number of citizens of the country. After the presentations of the panelists, numerous questions were raised from the audience which resulted in a lively discussion.
The panel was followed by numerous journalists, civil society activists and various representatives government, EFB Alumni network members and other guests.
For detailed results please visit Gallup Balkan Monitor
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