The flag of the European Union was symbolically raised at the new viewing platform on Vrtaljica Plateau above Konjic today to celebrate Europe Day (9 May). The flag raising was accompanied by the anthem of the European Union, the Ode to Joy, performed by pupils from the local music school “Resonanca”, in the presence of the Mayor of Konjic, Osman Ćatić, the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH Johann Sattler and a number of EU Ambassadors, diplomatic representatives and local officials.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Sattler highlighted the importance of this Europe Day, which follows the European Council’s green light for BiH to open EU accession negotiations as well the 20th anniversary of the biggest EU enlargement. “Enlargement is one of the most successful policies of the European Union. We have here today many Ambassadors from countries that joined in 2004, and they are able to say better than anyone what a positive impact EU membership has had on their countries, as well as on peace and stability on our continent overall. The European Union is however not yet complete, and we must continue to work together to realise the aspirations of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s citizens to join the EU,” said Ambassador Sattler.

Osman Ćatić, the Mayor of Konjic thanked the guests for visiting Konjic as part of this year’s Europe Day celebrations, observing that much effort had been put into ensuing the works on Vrtaljica Plateau were complete in time for Europe Day. “This observation deck, nestled between mountains, is dedicated to the support we have received from the EU Office in BiH and respective EU Member States for the entire country and the youth of the country,” said Mayor Ćatić.

Benjamin Sturtewagen, charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Belgium in BiH said, “My country, Belgium, is currently presiding over the European Council. We are dedicated to preparing a shared future for present and future members of our European family of nations. Recently we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the biggest EU enlargement, in BiH and across the continent. We celebrated this in order to encourage future members such as BiH. Our visit to Konjic is significant and symbolic and our hosts understand this. Europe is calling, and it is good to see that this call is echoing - resonating in the same way as the music we just heard from the talented young musicians from Rezonanca.”

The flag raising ceremony was part of a two-day visit of EU Ambassadors to Jablanica and Konjic as one of the activities to commemorate of Europe Day around Bosnia and Herzegovina. Earlier in the day, the EU Ambassadors were welcomed by the Mayor of Jablanica Damir Šabanović at the Battle for the Wounded at Neretva Museum. At the Museum, the delegation met with a group of local and international young peacebuilders in the Battle for the Wounded at Neretva Museum to discuss and exchange views on fostering understanding, tolerance and cooperation amongst diverse communities. There was also a demonstration of the skills of local mountain rescue teams.

In Konjic, following the flag raising ceremony, the Ambassadors visited the Zanat factory, which has received financial support from the European Union, to find out more about Konjic’s traditions of woodcarving and how BiH wood products are winning a growing number of admirers around the world. The day will be rounded off with a visit to the Heritage Konjic Museum to listen to readings of works by Konjic-born Zuko Džumhur, and a music performance by Mirza Redžepagić.

Europe Day activities are taking place across Bosnia and Herzegovina to celebrate the talent of the country’s citizens, Bosnia’s and Herzegovina’s cultural heritage and natural beauty as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European perspective as a country which is always in the heart of Europe.

For more information about the programme please visit: www.europehouse.ba