EU ambassador: Bosnia leading the way in withdrawal of European funds

NEWS 11.10.201918:43
Srna

Bosnia and Herzegovina is leading the way in the withdrawal of European funds for infrastructural projects, according to Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation in Sarajevo, Johann Sattler.

Addressing the media in the northern town of Gradiska on Friday, Sattler said that over 200 million Euro was invested over the past four years in the road, railway and other infrastructural projects in Bosnia.

“I believe this is opposite to a cliché about Bosnia and Herzegovina lagging behind everything and everyone because in this area it is, indeed, leading the way,” he added.

The Ambassador said it was possible to do a lot more and that many projects are in the preparatory stage, many of which concern the road links on the Corridor 5C.

“Unfortunately, these projects are on hold and one of the reasons for that is the lack of government formation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Because of this, I call on all politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina to make resolute steps towards a solution because Brussels is impatiently awaiting results in order to resume cooperation,” said the ambassador, following the ceremony marking the beginning of construction of the bridge, which will connect the territories of Bosnia and Croatia.

He thanked the political representatives in both countries for enabling this project, especially European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc, who was in Gradiska on Friday too.

“EU makes results, brings people close and fulfils its promises. Owing to such projects, the movement of more than half million residents of the region will be easier as well as the lives of the locals in Gradiska, which is congested with current traffic frequency,” he added.