Bosnia and Herzegovina: How to Break the Deadlock?

The general elections held in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in October 2010 could not counteract the political crisis that is ongoing for years. It took the political leaders 16 months in total to agree on a state level government. And still, the political dissent about the political reforms so badly needed and about a general vision for the country is too strong. The reform process and especially the EU-integration process are lagging behind. The political rhetoric has become extremely nationalist. The question that thus arises is: how can the stagnation in BiH be overcome? The European integration seems the only path that can provide for BiH’s long-term stability and economic success.  So, what is the EU’s strategy for strengthening the alternative democratic forces in BiH and for overcoming the political blockade in the EU integration process?  What about movements for change coming from inside? What role does civil society play in overcoming the current situation? And, finally, how strong are the political and social forces in BiH really trying to bring about a turnaround of the country including an agreement on a constitutional reform which could turn BiH into a functional democratic state? In order to discuss these questions, the European Union Office of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in co-operation with its BiH Office in Sarajevo has invited three representatives from the recently established civil society network ‘Coalition 143’.

Date :  Wednesday, 6 June 2012,  17.15 – 18.45
            (registration and refreshments 16.45-17.15)
Venue: SOFITEL BRUSSELS EUROPE
            Place Jourdan, 1
            1040 BRUSSELS

Speakers: Lajla Zaimovic-Kurtovic, President of the Association Alumni of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies (ACIPS)         
Sasa Madacki, Human Rights Centre University of Sarajevo
Alen Tatic, Coordinator of K-143 and member of Akcija Gradjana
Moderator: Claude Weinber, director Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union    

No admittance without confirmed registration.  E-Mail registration only.