Sabolić: Croats Need to Feel True Equality in BiH

The election of a Croat member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is an opportunity to strengthen the political position of Croats, but also to implement reforms that would allow the country a faster path toward the European Union. In an interview for HTV's show "Pogled preko granice" (View Across the Border), the Croatian Ambassador to BiH, Ivan Sabolić, spoke about expectations after the elections, the necessity of amendments to the Election Law, the emigration of Croats, and concrete projects through which Croatia supports the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivan Sabolić, pointed out that Croatia closely monitors political processes in the neighboring country because a stable and European BiH is its strategic interest.

"We expect the swift formation of government at all levels, in accordance with the expressed will of the voters. We expect a responsible approach to strengthening trust between the constituent peoples, strengthening institutions, and implementing reforms important for the continuation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's European integration path," Sabolić said.

According to him, the election of the Croat member of the Presidency of BiH has broken a long-standing practice that he considers harmful to the Croat people.

He assessed that optimism prevails among Croats and that there is interest among members of the other two constituent peoples regarding the work of the new composition of the Presidency.

Amendments to the Election Law Crucial for Political Stability

Sabolić believes that after the elections, amendments to the Election Law should be initiated to ensure, according to Croatia's position, the fair election of Croat political representatives.

He emphasized that this is an issue important for the long-term stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the functioning of its institutions, and the building of trust between the constituent peoples.

At the same time, he warned that any solution must respect the constitutional framework of BiH, the decisions of the Constitutional Court, and relevant rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.

Emigration of Croats: Not Enough to Talk Only About Politics

Speaking about emigration, the Ambassador pointed out that decisions to leave are not solely connected to political circumstances, but also to the quality of life, employment opportunities, professional development, and legal security.

Therefore, he believes, the response must be systematic and comprehensive.

Croatia, he emphasized, continues to invest in the political, economic, and social empowerment of the Croat community through numerous development projects.

He especially highlighted examples of municipalities and cities where positive results have been achieved and which, in his view, show that a quality life in BiH is possible.

Croatia Helps BiH on Its European Path

One of the important topics of the conversation was also Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path.

Sabolić recalled that Croatia already provides institutional and expert assistance through European partnership, cooperation with the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Directorate for European Integration of BiH.

Several hundred civil servants from different levels of government participate in workshops and projects.

"Our experiences here are gladly accepted," Sabolić said, adding that due to geographical and linguistic proximity, as well as its own experience of acceding to the European Union, Croatia plays an important role in the transfer of knowledge.

However, he warned that political obstacles and reform laws that are still awaiting adoption slow down the start of concrete negotiations.

Economic Cooperation Between Croatia and BiH Worth Four Billion Euros

Speaking about bilateral relations, Sabolić highlighted significant steps forward in transport, energy, and economic cooperation.

According to him, the annual economic exchange between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina reaches four billion euros.

Among the more important projects, he singled out the Southern Gas Interconnection, which should enable BiH to diversify its gas supply, and a new agreement on border crossings which upgraded the status of certain crossings.

He also mentioned benefits for carriers from BiH through long-term visas and the reconstruction of bridges and roads in the border area.

All this, he believes, contributes to better connectivity and a stronger flow of people and goods between the two states.

When Will Croats Experience True Equality?

When asked what concrete results would show that the position of Croats in BiH has truly improved, Sabolić pointed out equal representation in state institutions.

He expects that the election of the Croat member of the Presidency will enable progress in appointing ambassadors and consuls general from among the Croat people, as well as in the promotion of high-ranking officers in the Armed Forces of BiH.

He emphasized that equality should also be visible in state agencies, institutions, and other bodies.

"We will be able to state that equality has been established when it is no longer an issue of questioning, but rather a normal way of acting within the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina," he said.

Message to Young Croats Considering Leaving

At the end of the conversation, Sabolić reflected on the disappointment of a part of the Croat population, especially young people who are thinking of leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He noted that he understands their desire for a better future, but also that during his seven years of diplomatic service, he has visited numerous parts of BiH and witnessed positive examples of local development.

"Many municipalities and cities where Croats are the majority are examples of a beautiful life," Sabolić concluded.

He also recalled the historical significance of the Croatian Embassy in Sarajevo, which opened in 1994 during the siege of the city.