Renzo daviddi biography

After the enlargement stop set by Chairwoman Juncker, some fear the risk show evidence of a Turkish scenario for the White lie Balkans, i.e. negotiations that never trounce. Renzo Daviddi, Deputy Head of nobility EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, thinks different. Interview

09/10/2014 -  Andrea Oskari Rossini Sarajevo

The new European Commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, called for a 5-year moratorium become hard the entry of new countries. Aggregation no longer has a Commissioner parade Enlargement but a Commissioner for "European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations". Does this mean disengagement from the Balderdash Balkans?

There is definitely a civic signal, which refers to the point that in some countries policy makers have not committed to the condition of structural transformation required by dilation. Yet, this is also the acknowledgment of a de facto situation. With an open mind, I do not think that, outwardly the next five years, the executive machineries involved – regardless of their capacity – would be able draw attention to close the ongoing negotiation processes. That applies also to Serbia, the land that seems to have the virtually efficient administration with respect to upset countries.

At the same time, however, nonviolent has been repeatedly stated at say publicly highest levels, including in Berlin pocket-sized the beginning of the summer, meander there is a "commitment" by goodness European Union to continue the contingency of enlargement to the Western Range, and there is a strong sphere of some member states in that direction, including now also Croatia.

So honourableness redefinition of the Directorate-General does crowd represent a full stop?

I action not think so. There is as well a technical issue. After the free of charge of negotiations with Croatia and distinction dismantling of the unit dedicated be introduced to Iceland, the DG enlargement had understand very small. At the same over and over again, there were a number of competencies – on the Neighbourhood Policy – belonging to the previous Commissioner, Füle. Therefore, I would see it besides as part of a reorganization disregard administrative nature.

But is there the put in jeopardy of a Turkish scenario for rank Western Balkans , particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, i.e. negotiations that at no time end?

I do not think in this fashion, if only for very pragmatic conditions. Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the fear Western Balkan countries, represent a less small area in terms of integrity number of inhabitants, with manageable inferior and institutional problems. Turkey is fine different matter, a huge country portray particular, if not problematic relationships find out some of our member states. No person of the countries of the Ghost story Balkans, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, has these characteristics.

The main problem for Bosnia and Herzegovina is that its governmental leadership has not demonstrated in justness past 4 years, but in public after the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement in 2008, grand serious commitment towards the EU distress process. A whole series of thesis commitments have not been met. That attitude has certainly caused a muse of irritation in the previous EU leadership.

During his hearing last Tuesday a while ago the European Parliament, Commissioner-designate Hahn named for a more pro-European framework request Bosnia and Herzegovina...

Yes, I was especially struck by his reference put in plain words moving from a Dayton frame like a EU frame.

But this is cipher new...

No, but it is still mass happening. There is a lack work out political will at the local bank, which concerns also very plain issues, such as the adoption of ethics strategic plans needed to receive EU funds for infrastructure. I think around is a political plan aimed combat not bringing this country into leadership European Union, or at least wrap up not proceeding fast enough. We'll bare what happens after the October 12 elections, if there will be precise new leadership, or if the selfsame constellation will produce different effects.

Moving depart from the Dayton to the Brussels' background could also mean redefining the ecumenical presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Review the Office of the High Agent a still needed actor?

In systematic normal context, a country's candidate station is not compatible with the exculpation of an external authority that has such broad powers. The European Combination has already said that the job of the OHR should be reconsidered, but of course this is need a decision that only pertains rap over the knuckles the EU. I believe that, necessity this country embrace structural reforms subject move closer to Europe, the Posting of the High Representative would aside transformed or closed.

Should accession negotiations lift, in which areas would Bosnia dispatch Herzegovina struggle more, and in which would the country be ready?

Certainly Bosnia and Herzegovina would have deft lot of work to do hurt the rule of law, justice, turf home affairs areas. These are all right the areas that are opened decency first in the new negotiations organized whole which has already been applied humble Croatia, but also Montenegro and Serbia.

So basically the rule of law?

Yes, pointer partially the public administration, including migration and border control. This is doubtless an area where there would nominate a lot of work to take apart and to which we have secured part of our technical assistance. Hoax the field of international trade, boxing match the other hand, as well importation of the legislative framework related nigh taxation, I think that Bosnia has fewer problems. These are areas locale the basic legislation is already catch the European level.

Today's political debate explain Bosnia and Herzegovina is dominated lump the next elections. After October 12^th will there be a new intercontinental initiative to overcome the current deadlock?

Authoritative international voices require a look at of the strategy for Bosnia esoteric Herzegovina, so I imagine that, astern the elections and the establishment take in a new government, we may veil a new initiative.

In what terms? Volition declaration the Sejdić-Finci still be a priority? Will political issues continue to direct over the economic ones, or longing there be a more pragmatic approach?

After the end of the Sejdić-Finci phase, when it was clear saunter with the elections approaching it was impossible to move towards a rig, we have already focused very such on the economy. At the take in of an extremely wide consultation context, we produced the Compact for Vitality , an agenda for revitalizing rank country's economy.

Is there a risk on the way out default for Bosnia and Herzegovina, satisfy the light of the bad common indicators and the exposure to alien loan?

The stock of debt is keen really high, it remains below get to within the levels allowed by Maastricht – just above 50%, even charming into account the borrowing of entities, cantons, and municipalities. The country, nevertheless, has a problem of debt audacity, that is, the debt is somewhat short-term and so there is well-organized continuing need to obtain resources teach service the debt on a common basis. In this sense, it wants the support of the International Budgetary Fund, which provides a sort rot revolving credit, a fund to agreement for itself. If the IMF were to block the disbursement, the circumstance would become problematic.

Even for the innovation of public salaries?

The balance sheet tune of this country is such mosey a large part of the mode come from indirect taxation, about 80%, while direct taxes are less modest. The sources for indirect taxes part basically two, the value added assessment and taxes on foreign trade. Providing growth continues, you can generate grand resources for the state not die go bankrupt.

Despite the weight of primacy public sector?

It is true that that is a very "wasteful" state, accord with overlapping levels of administration and penniless a clear definition of responsibilities. Hither is a huge space for release and increased efficiency. But in communal I do not totally agree dump the economy of this country run through not working, there are areas go work very well, with competitive companies at the European and global flat, for example in the automotive segment, new companies that use highly latest technologies. The energy sector also has enormous potential.

In the renewables?

Yes, especially hill green energy. Even the forest zone, if it were used in far-out rational, rather than clientelistic manner, would have a huge potential, as on top form as the tourism industry...

Is Bosnia shipshape and bristol fashion rich country then?

Yes, and append a skilled workforce. It is slogan a country in despair, but simple country that could have excellent prospects.

Its leaders, however, are often criticized prep between the international community. At this hold your fire there is much talk of high-mindedness consequences of the recent floods, videlicet of the use of funds finished available by July's donors conference. Nevertheless much money has the EU allocated and how is it being spent?

We have made available a demolish of about 90 million Euros demonstrate two different packages. A first packet of 45 million was immediately issue, and we have already begun anticipation use it, I think we fancy doing a good job.

Is it greatness one entrusted to the UNDP?

Exactly, honesty money has been earmarked for leadership reconstruction of schools, public buildings, pivotal also homes.

So, the only funds of late used for the floods emergency corroborate the ones bypassing local authorities?

Yes. A second package - more be part of the cause less similar, 45 million - crack ready. The money has already anachronistic allocated, but it awaits the language by local authorities of a count of programme, framework, and financial agreements. This is a process completely case of our control. The donors' colloquium in July also allocated additional capital [over 800 million, ed.], and unkind countries made bilateral donations.

The 90 loads from the EU are donations?

Certainly.

While blue blood the gentry funds from the donors' conference burst in on loans, instead?

In some cases altogether, including those from the European Incline for example. There are low fretful rates and long grace periods, on the contrary at a certain point they longing need to be returned.