Speech by Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the EU in BiH, for Central academy on the occasion of 26th anniversary of the Brčko District
Dear Mayor Milić,
Dear Speaker Bulčević,
Dear residents of Brčko,
Excellencies,
Honoured guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a privilege to join you in marking the 26th anniversary of the Brčko District.
Brčko occupies a special place within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Born out of complexity and sustained by cooperation, it has shown that diversity can be governed constructively and that institutions can function responsibly.
The leadership of Brčko District has shown extraordinary resilience, successfully safeguarding political balance and inter-ethnic cohesion even when Bosnia and Herzegovina faced wider crises.
These achievements are not symbolic.
They are foundations.
Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina stands at a decisive moment on its European path. The opening of accession negotiations with the European Union was a recognition of progress — but above all, an invitation to accelerate reforms.
Two years ago, the European Council gave the green light to open negotiations once specific conditions were met. Those conditions are still not fully fulfilled. We are therefore not yet where we had hoped to be.
At the same time, the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans offers a historic opportunity: gradual integration into the EU single market, increased financial support, and stronger economic convergence.
Up to EUR 976.6 million is available to Bosnia and Herzegovina — in exchange for concrete reform delivery.
But opportunity and implementation go hand in hand.
Our message is clear: the door to EU accession is open. It remains open. But the momentum must come from within. The European Union stands ready to support, yet we cannot want membership more than the authorities of this country themselves.
Only a limited number of key steps remain. They are achievable with political will. Among the most important are the adoption of the two key judicial laws and the appointment of the Chief Negotiator. These are practical decisions that would unlock significant progress.
Time, however, is not unlimited. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s allocation under the Growth Plan has already been reduced by EUR 108 million. Without decisive action, further funds may be lost — while other countries in the region are already advancing.
Reforms are not external conditions.
They are investments — in stability, competitiveness, and prosperity.
The opportunity is real.
The choice is yours.
Brčko District can play an important role in this process.
With its administrative structure, strategic geographic position, and tradition of pragmatic governance, it is well placed to lead by example.
The priorities are clear:
- Strengthening the rule of law and judicial efficiency
- Ensuring transparency in public finance and depoliticisation of public administration
- Advancing digitalisation and simplification of public service delivery
- Improving the business environment
- Aligning with the EU Green Agenda
In this context, I would also encourage the authorities of Brčko District to move forward with the adoption of the new PFM Reform Strategy, comprehensive civil service legislation and improved organisation of public administration, ensuring a professional, merit-based, and accountable public administration in line with European standards.
These are not abstract benchmarks. They mean jobs created, investors reassured, and young people choosing to stay.
Brčko has long been associated with stability.
The next step is competitiveness.
Its position along key transport routes and the Sava River gives it real potential as a regional logistics hub. With continued reform and modern infrastructure — supported by the European Union — that potential can be realised.
European integration is more than legislative alignment.
It requires cooperation across political levels.
It requires trust between institutions and citizens.
And it requires consistency beyond political cycles.
The European Union does not expect perfection.
But it does expect commitment.
Commitment to the rule of law.
Commitment to accountability.
Commitment to functionality.
Brčko has already demonstrated that functionality is possible within a complex system. That experience can inspire broader progress.
Ultimately, the European path must deliver for the next generation.
It must create opportunities in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
It must give young people confidence that their future can be built here.
When institutions deliver results, European integration becomes irreversible.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Twenty-six years ago, Brčko emerged as a solution to a difficult moment.
Today, it can be a symbol of a confident future — anchored in reform, strengthened by cooperation, and firmly connected to the European family.
The European Union stands ready to walk this path with you.
Let the next chapter of Brčko’s development be defined not only by stability — but by ambition.
Happy 26th anniversary of the Brčko District.
Thank you.