Media statement by the Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative in BiH, Ambassador Luigi Soreca at the opening of the Sarajevo – Pale cycling trail

I'm very happy to be here. You know, probably you hear this many times, but today is really special. Seeing these two groups of cyclists coming together in the middle, accompanied by friends also from Mostar - which I think is a very strong signal - it was a great moment. 

This 13 km route connects Sarajevo and Pale through forests, tunnels and remarkable landscapes. But is also part of something much larger, to demonstrate how concrete cooperation can bring communities closer together. 

This morning, we have seen cyclists from both sides ride towards one another from opposite sides of the trail to meet here. 

As several of you, of course, I have also already come here and I have seen so many cyclists already riding this route, filming videos, sharing photos, inviting other friends to come and experience this amazing initiative. 

So, citizens immediately recognised the value of this project. They didn't need a marketing campaign. They just took their bikes, they made it their own story on Instagram, on Facebook. This is to me the real success of this EU investment. 

But it's clear that this project has also a bigger significance. It's a response to those who wish to promote division, including those who have been defacing the trail with divisive graffiti. The enthusiasm of citizens for this trail is proof that there will always be more that unites the people of this country than divides it. 

And to me, as an EU ambassador, this is the most important meaning. A service to the citizens, but also to show how the EU will continue to proudly support activities that strengthen connections between people. 

As you know, the European Union has invested 2.3 million euros in this trail. And I'm sure that this is going to be a boost for promoting healthy lifestyles, tourism, and local businesses. I was talking to the Mayors and we realised the importance now to make the necessary advertising and follow up to today's event. Today is only the beginning. 

I would like to warmly thank the Mayors of the five municipalities along the route for recognising the value of this project and working together with us to make it a reality. Thank you. 

I am here to close this initiative, but I want to recall my colleague Johann Sattler, who started this initiative three years ago. Ambassadors come and go, sometimes we benefit from the work of our predecessors. This is the business continuity of the European Union. 

This trail is part of the broader Giro di Ćiro vision, which is bringing historic railway routes back to life across Bosnia and Herzegovina, creating new opportunities for tourism, recreation and economic development. 

This route will continue to grow and will attract visitors from across Europe. I was talking to my friends in Brussels, in Rome, in Berlin, in Stockholm about this and they will come to also in order to see how this initiative is bringing new potential to life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. So it's important that we now give the right advertising to this initiative. 

To conclude, as EU ambassador, of course, I'm very proud of this initiative. The European Union was built by connecting people. And through links like this trail, one step at a time, we are helping build a better, shared future of stability and prosperity.

Thank you very much.