EU Enlargement Commissioner: Bosnia has a chance to achieve tangible results

JOHN THYS / AFP

EU's Economic Investment Plan is a significant injection worth €9 billion in the form of grants which will boost the GDPs of all countries in the region by some 3.6 percent, the Union's Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi said in Sarajevo, on Friday, after meeting with the country's prime minister Zoran Tegeltija.

He pointed out that this is a great chance for all the Western Balkan countries, including Bosnia to achieve tangible and visible changes and results in the next 4-5 years that will contribute to the long-term perspective of youth and all citizens.

“This is the first time I've visited the country and the city as Commissioner and I am happy to come with such good news. We inform you of a great opportunity for the whole region. The Commission has worked hard to show that all Western Balkan countries are a priority and we are working to strengthen relations. This is certainly a part of Europe and we are working to formally make it part of the Union. We will continue to work in the coming period to accelerate recovery from the Covid crisis and reduce inequalities in the level of development between the Western Balkans and the EU,” Varhelyi said.

He emphasized that it is extremely important “we work together on the recovery of our economies and on accelerating the recovery of the region's economies,” which is why the Economic Investment Plan was presented.

“It is a significant injection with funds of over €9 billion for grants and over €20 billion through guarantees. This total amount represents one-third of the total GDP of all Western Balkan countries,” the Commissioner said

According to him, the region needs to strengthen its road infrastructure, link capitals, resolve the energy supply issue, decrease coal consumption etc., with the aim of achieving growth and development.

The EU is ready for cooperation in changing the environment and regional landscape for the better, the Commissioner concluded.