EU should stand strong for its standards

Policy Brief

09/10/2014

In the framework of the FEPS and EFDS research programme “Enhancing Democracy Pre and Post EU Accession” an assessment visit was organised to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo and Banja Luka), on 23-25 of April. The main focus of the visit was the issue of enhancing representative democracy. The discussions were organised around three subtopics: democratic transition, citizens’ Europe (with a special focus on internal party democracy) and the influence of international actors. Delegation members met politicians, NGO representatives, researches and academia.
 
Firstly, Judit Tánczos gives and overview of the transforming role of international actors in BiH. Fragmentation, lenient approach, non-transparent political discussions and deals – the harshest critics stated cynically that instead of transforming the political life and society, international actors might have learnt too much from domestic politicians. Nevertheless, instead of this pessimistic picture, it should be rather acknowledged that there is certainly a shift in policy which has led to inconsistencies. The importance of the OHR is decreasing, but the EU might have not yet assumed its leading role in the country’s democratic transition. Hence, the possibility is there to offer again a unified vision on Bosnia-Herzegovina’s future in the framework of the EU integration process.
 
Secondly, Danijel Tadic analyses the internal political situation of the country. In his article he focuses on the ethnic division set in the constitution and on political culture. The political culture in BiH is much more about competition and conflict and less about compromising. Adding to that the fact that many issues are (on purpose) ethnically loaded, an inefficient political dynamics is created that is characterised by low quality of the democratic output.
 
The objective of the policy brief is to contribute to a unified, progressive European vision on the future of BiH.
 
Should you have any further questions concerning the paper, please, contact Judit Tánczos at judit.tanczos@feps-europe.eu and Danijel Tadic at dtadic@foundationmaxvanderstoel.nl

Find all related publications
Publications
05/03/2024

A European feminist foreign policy?

The need for a progressive and transformative approach
01/03/2024

The transformation of the mainstream right in Western Europe

Implications for social democracy
01/03/2024

Next Left Vol. 15

Progressive Ambition: How to shape Europe in the next decade
29/02/2024

The European political community

Informality as a key to success
Find all related Progressive Post
Progressive Post
14/03/2024

In Portugal, a new cycle with old problems

14/03/2024

Out but not over: Socialists’ electoral tie in Portugal

14/03/2024

Portugal: a Socialist loss

Find all related news
News
18/03/2024

FEPS President on Euronews talk-show ‘Brussels, my love?’

NATO extension, Portuguese elections, far-right and gender equality were the topics of the debate
08/03/2024

Discover the updated EU Care Atlas!

07/03/2024

Call for videos – Your Call to Europe

This call closed on 24/03/2024
04/03/2024

FEPS at the PES Election Congress in Rome

Find all related in the media
In the media

Women leaders in CSOs—overworked, overwhelmed

by Social Europe 27/03/2024
This article published in the digital media Social Europe focuses on the findings of FEPS policy study 'Women CSO leaders for systemic change'

The EU pursues make-believe in Bosnia

by Financial Times 23/03/2024
Financial Times featured our policy brief 'Bosnia-Herzegovina', which analyses the journey of BiH's EU membership and the necessary reforms to make it happen

AI won’t replace quality journalism, but sector needs safeguarding, says socialist think tank head

by Euractiv 18/03/2024
Interview with FEPS President on the role of media in Europe’s future

FEPS President on Euronews talk-show ‘Brussels, my love?’

by Euronews 16/03/2024
FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues discusses NATO expansions and elections in Russia and Portugal on Euronews talk-show ‘Brussels, my love?‘