At the beginning of June Palacky University students visited Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) – program country of Czech official development assistance. During their 10 days academic field-trip they met many representatives from international, national and local organisations, as well as private companies – considered as key players of development cooperation in this post-war country. It was supported by Czech Development agency (Czech Aid) and organized for Czech, Slovak and international students with the goal to gain first hands practical experience in relation to what they are studying – International Development studies.
On June 5 this group of European and non-European students visited EU delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina. They learned about the role of EU amid the country’s process of gaining accession to European Union. Mr Jan Snaidauf (Head of Political and Economic Section) gave a presentation that was followed by an interactive discussion with students on the path of BiH towards the EU in the areas of trade and investment, rule of law and fundamental human rights, as well as education, employment and social issues. Out of the discussion students got an overview on political structure, system of government, education and fiscal policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The visit to EU showed the students how important and complex are the required standards to access the EU and what BiH need to follow since the submission of EU-membership application. The rule of law and a stable democracy, as well as reformed public administration is needed. EU and other organisations in country are also trying to cooperate with BiH high representatives to strengthen competitiveness and support of SME’s, improve agriculture, social services, infrastructure and work together towards a cleaner environment.
However BiH still struggle with the set standards following post-conflict reconstructing with lots of division in society. Despite political and ethnic divisions, all political parties sees the prosperity of entering the European Union. The EU is Bosnia and Herzegovina biggest trade partner and largest provider of financial assistance with 3,5 billion euros invested since 1996 (253,8 million euros in EU pre-accession funds 2014-2017; and 40 million euros in disaster relief after the 2014 floods). It’s evident that the country receive much support from the European Union and one can only hope that the country can unite and work on the reform agenda that will help them to gain accession. Currently Bosnia and Herzegovina is designated as a candidate country. It would be great for Palacky University students to visit this country again in 5-10 years and see the progress.
Written by: Rudzani Bernard Mamphweli, KRES / Palacky University; Photo: Veronika Rojová & Fabio Iguavita, KRES / Palacky University
Media about Development 