The lag in the integration process is a consequence of numerous factors, among the most important of which are: the long-standing inefficiency of the authorities at all levels in fulfilling key economic, political and legal criteria. The lack of a structured dialogue between institutions and CSOs has certainly had an adverse impact on the entire process. Experiences from countries in the region, which are far ahead of BiH in the EU pre-accession process, show that an engaged, well-connected and constructive civil society is one of the key factors in successful progress towards EU membership.
Among the large number of CSOs in BiH (according to the latest data, there are more than 25,000 organizations), there are a number of highly professional organizations that have specialized in various areas of importance for the EU integration process. However, most CSOs operate in a poorly coordinated manner towards the European integration process, while their capacities are significantly limited.
Key recommendations arising from the research:
- Strengthen the culture of partnership and transparency of the decision-making process when fulfilling the conditions for EU accession;
- Define a model for structured dialogue through the Platform (in the next phase of the IREI project) and include civil society in all processes and phases related to BiH’s accession to the EU;
- Ensure greater involvement of local authorities and local CSOs in the process of BiH’s accession to the EU, while strengthening their mutual cooperation;
- Create a network of CSOs as a broader platform to support the improvement of the EU country’s pre-accession process;
- Build an institutional infrastructure for the development of civil society in the form of a foundation for the development of civil society in BiH, as the fruit of a joint initiative of CSOs, with the aim of creating conditions for sustainable development of civil society through cross-sectoral cooperation and ensuring adequate funding;
- Strengthen the capacities of CSOs, with a special focus on building expertise on negotiation chapters or topics, relying primarily on existing resource centres;
- Encourage regional cooperation and transfer of knowledge and experience between CSOs that have already gained significant experience in working on self-organization and strengthening civil society participation in the European integration process;
- Conduct thematic campaigns aimed at promoting the importance of European integration in an innovative way that is content adapted to the wider citizenry in BiH.