DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR INTERNAL POLICIES - COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND EDUCATION -

DELEGATION TO 22 - 24 February 2011

REPORT

SUMMARY

The Committee on Culture & Education organised, between the 22nd and 24th February 2011, a very successful visit to Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The delegation was led by Mrs. Doris PACK, Chairperson of the Committee.

Within the Parliament, the Committee on Culture and Education is in charge of cooperation with third countries in the areas of culture and education, and responsible for relations with the relevant international organisations and institutions.

Among the aims of the delegation were:

▪ To visit the International Festival "Sarajevo Winter", organized in 1984 for the first time, and which since then has become a symbol of freedom of creativity, a place for getting acquainted with diverse cultures and civilizations;

▪To look at the current situation in the field of education in BiH and into ways of supporting and implementing the local education system's reform process.

The delegation met with the organizers and participants of the "Sarajevo Winter" International Festival, and with stakeholders in the field of education, as well as the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sarajevo city at the highest level. PARTICIPANTS

Members of the EP Political Group Country

Ms Doris Pack, Chair EPP Germany Ms Katarína Neveďalová S&D Slovakia Ms Marietje Schaake ALDE The Netherlands Mr Marco Scurria EPP Italy Ms Joanna Senyszyn S&D Poland

Committee Secretariat Ms Inese Kriškāne, administrator Ms Rita Soares, national expert

Secretariat from the political groups Ms Johanna Lundberg ALDE

MEP's assistant Ms Livia Gregusova (Ms Neveďalová) Ms Tiziana Betto (Mr Scurria)

Interpreters EN: IT: BiH: Mr Reuben Imray Ms Barbara Carli-Ganotis Mr Neven Pajdas (HR) Mr Darren Neville (Team leader) Ms Darja Flere (SR) Mr Lorenzo Bevilacqua Ms Sabina Berberovic (BS)

Abbreviations:

EPP Group of the European People's Party in the European Parliament S&D Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament ALDE Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe GUE/NGL European United Left/Nordic Green Left INTRODUCTION

The International Festival Sarajevo “Sarajevo Winter” is a traditional meeting place for artists and citizens from all over the world.

In the course of its twenty-six years of existence, the Festival has become an integral part of the city's life. More than 3 252 performances and exhibitions, with over 3 025 000 visitors and 30 010 participants from all parts of the world, took place in the 1161 days of the festival. It is noteworthy that the “Sarajevo Winter” Festival continued to take place even in time of war. It has become a symbol of freedom and of creativity, a place for getting acquainted with diverse cultures and civilizations.

The International Peace Center Sarajevo organizes and runs the “Sarajevo Winter” Festival.

The Festival has traditionally been held under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, European Union, UNESCO, The Presidency of B&H, The Federation of B&H, The Council of Ministers of B&H, , City of Sarajevo and Starigrad Municipality. SUMMARY OF THE MEETINGS

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

14:10 - 15:25 Welcome at Sarajevo airport by the Festival "Sarajevo Winter" team

The delegation's programme in Sarajevo started with visits to some of the many events held within the Festival's framework:

 Opening of the exhibition of sculptures "Warriors" Sandro Chia (Italy) and visit to an exhibition of local contemporary artists at the Collegium Artisticum Gallery.

 Concert with Izmir’s woodwind Quintet at the Bosniak Institute, with a reception hosted by the Turkish Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The evening was concluded by dinner at a traditional Bosnian restaurant, hosted by the Director of the Festival Mr Ibrahim Spahič.

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

08:30 - 09.30 Breakfast meeting with HE Dr Valentin Inzko, EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Boris Iarotchevitch, Acting Head of EU Delegation to BiH and Hungarian Deputy Head of Mission, Lajos Kohari, representing the EU Presidency

The next day's meetings began with a briefing by the EU representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The EU's Special Representative Mr. Inzko explained the current political situation in BiH, where political parties and leaders continue to hold fundamentally differing views as to the future of the country and the way it should be organised. This has led to a serious political stalemate over the last few years: almost five months after a general election, the country is still without a new government. He stressed that BiH leaders must end “power games” and adopt a more “mature and resolute” approach in order to return Bosnia and Herzegovina to the path of European integration.

The Chair of the delegation Mrs. Doris Pack agreed that the need for efficient government in BiH has never been greater. Mrs. Pack stressed that re-launching the EU integration process will not only bring the prospect of membership closer, it will deliver sorely needed economic reforms in order to reverse the economic decline of recent years. Mr. Iarochevitch reminded the delegation that BiH is not achieving the progress it needs to make if it intends to submit a credible EU membership application. Bosnia and Herzegovina can expect a committed and reliable partner in the EU, but BiH politicians must immediately undertake the reforms necessary to get the country back on the road to Europe.

BiH, in contrast to neighbouring countries, has not made progress recently. It even seems in breach of the Stability and Association Agreement in the field of State Aid, as well as in human rights. A constitutional reform is urgently required to abolish an existing law that stipulates that certain nationalities cannot run for certain state functions.

10.00 - 11:30 Meeting with representatives of education civic stakeholders and the OSCE Mission

The delegation then participated in a 90-minute roundtable discussion on two topics:

1) Quality of primary and secondary education in BiH in the context of future EU citizenship; and 2) Impact of the implementation of the Bologna process on student mobility in BiH.

Mrs Pack introduced this discussion by recalling that EU programmes are open also for Bosnia and Herzegovina. But major administrative barriers prevent students from taking part in them. One of the biggest issues is the fact that degrees and diplomas from other countries are not recognized in BiH, even those from well-established universities. This has to be changed urgently.

1) In the course of lively discussions a number of problems with the quality of primary and secondary education were identified:

- The existence of three different curricula and textbooks based on ethnic criteria for each national group runs counter to post-war reconciliation aspirations. - Too heavy administrative structures with 13 education ministers at the federal level and a lack of political will to change this. - An unclear and ambiguous framework education law. - No unified educational standards. - The system of two schools under one roof being often used as an excuse. - No external testing, even for literacy levels, nor any external study carried out, as to literacy levels. - Quality of education is often poor: it tends to be very theoretical without practical application; lack of holistic view of the world, no debating techniques.

2) Higher education and students' mobility:

- Recognition of diplomas is one of the biggest problems- the Centre of Recognition of diplomas does not function. - The quality of the teaching of foreign languages is poor; - Lack of information about available grants and programmes; also a lack of guidance counsellors at schools- no information about opportunities for studying abroad. - No interest in student exchanges from the local universities. MEPs considered ways in which this situation could be improved. Bearing in mind that recognition of foreign degrees and diplomas is a key area of concern, Mrs Schaake wondered whether local employees also do not recognize foreign degrees, or if on the contrary they view them as equally valid. Mrs Neveďalová asked whether students were also becoming involved in matters related to broader society. Mr Scurria was very concerned by the current state of affairs and asked participants to keep the delegation informed as to what the EU side can do to help.

Mrs Pack encouraged the students and professors to develop a student exchange initiative first with the neighbouring countries in South-East Europe. That would constitute a first step towards enhancing students' mobility.

11:30 - 12:00 Press conference on education issues

The press conference was held in the EU House right after the meeting. More than 30 local media representatives were in attendance, showing a high level of interest in this event.

Mrs Pack stressed that everybody has the same rights and called for ending ethnic divisions in the country. She called for harmonising curricula and textbooks, as well as for recognizing degrees and diplomas from other higher education establishments in the world.

Mrs Pack considered that the setting up of a National Agency is urgently needed if BiH wants to apply to the Lifelong Learning Programmes. She invited students to take the initiative to that end into their own hands, and to go out on the streets in a peaceful way to call on politicians to take the necessary steps. It was reported on some local newspapers' front pages as a "scandal".

12.00- 12:30 Meeting with the representatives of the Foundation "Education in Action"

One more meeting on education took place after the press conference, with the senior officials of the Education in Action Foundation, a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization. The Foundation's mission is to equip the rising generations in BiH with the knowledge, skills, leadership qualities and international values necessary to bridge over any leftover ethnic divides.

The founder of this Foundation Ms Tanovic explained the main principles underpinning this project, and its benefits for secondary education reform in BiH. One of its sources of inspiration was the successful education reform carried out in Slovenia - also a part of former Yugoslavia.

The core part of the Foundation Education in Action is the United World College in Mostar, which opened in 2006. Its explicit aim is to contribute to the reconstruction of a post-conflict society. It also is the first to be housed within an existing public school. It serves as a good example as to how to change attitudes at the political level. The Headmaster of the College Ms Mindoljevic shared her experiences with the delegation.

12.45 -13:15 Visit to the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the framework of the International Winter Festival Sarajevo

The delegation continued with events connected with the Winter Festival. Several exhibitions are held in the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was established in 1888. The four pavilions house the departments of archaeology, ethnology, natural history, and a library. After being closed for several years due to the heavy damage it sustained in the recent war, the museum has re-opened and is in the process of setting up new as well as revamped pre-existing exhibits.

13:30 - 15:00 Working lunch with members of Cultural Forum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The director of the Festival Mr Spahic offered lunch at the Hotel "Bosnia" to which Members of Executive Board of Cultural Forum and cultural operators from Sarajevo, Tuzla, Banja Luka, Mostar and Brčko were invited.

15:00 - 15:20 Press conference

During the press conference the members shared their first impression half-way through the visit. All the delegation members expressed their thanks. They emphasized their appreciation for the opportunity afforded them to experience cultural life in Sarajevo, and for the diversity and far-reaching quality of culture in BiH. Mr Scurria also mentioned a special cooperation project foreseen between Sarajevo and Rome in the field of culture.

15:30 - 16:30 Meeting with the Mayor of Sarajevo Alija Behmen and other representatives of

The main subject of the meeting was the possibility for Sarajevo city to apply for the Title of the European Capital of Culture in 2014. Under current EU legislation, it is not possible to award the title of ECOC to any city outside of the EU (Decision No 1622/2006/EC). This Decision lays out the legal basis for the time period from 2011 to 2019. Nevertheless, the Sarajevo City Council has already invested a lot of effort in preparations for this bid since 2008.

The Chair of the delegation Mrs Pack promised to look at ways to help Sarajevo city in this aspiration. She suggested putting an oral question to the Commission and the Council exploring whether an exception to the above-mentioned decision might be possible. Mrs Schaake shared her experience from her visit to Istanbul - ECOC 2010 and suggested clarity as to what signal the city wants to send young people, as a focus on people has to be the core of events. She also reminded those present that considerable investments are always called for when carrying out an extensive project.

****************************************** In the framework of the Winter Festival the delegation also visited an exhibition by Ana Adamović from Serbia: The Threshold of the Visual World.

The spirit of the Winter Festival was present during a sightseeing tour through Baščaršija – an old market place with cultural-historic monuments in the centre of the city.

20:00 Working dinner with the parliamentarians of the Parliaments of Western Balkan countries

The delegation was invited to the working dinner by another EP delegation, which participated in the parliamentary seminar at the same dates in Sarajevo.

The Members of several parliaments from Western Balkan countries took part in this seminar under the title "The role of parliaments in the legislative processes and in the oversight of governments".

Thursday, 24 February 2011

09:00-09:50 Meeting with the Members of Tri-Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mr Nebojša Radmanović, Mr Zeljko Komsić and Mr Bakir Izetbegović.

The participants at this meeting discussed the complex political situation in BiH and the next steps in the countries' road to the EU. The EP delegation expressed its full support for further steps in country's accession process to the EU despite current difficulties.

Mr Nebojša Radmanović, who is a member of BiH Presidency from Republika Srpska and currently the Chair of the rotating Presidency, expressed his point of view regarding the current political stalemate. He admitted that the process towards accession to the EU has slowed down, but reassured that this process will restart as soon as the government is in place. At the same time, he was in a bit of a quandary about the EU's demands on BiH, and blamed the EU for not giving clear signals about its willingness to pursue EU enlargement in general.

Mr Komsić, the Croatian representative to the Presidency, elaborated further on the current process of forming the new government, stressing that the main issue lies in finding common ground for the acting government. So far, no party was ready for compromises, which led to the current stalemate.

Mr Izetbegović, the Bosnian member of the Presidency, expressed his frustration with the continuing ethnical divisions in the country. He reminded that the ethnic mix used to lend Sarajevo a special texture, which needed to be brought back. He also stressed that BiH came out of a terrible war 15 years ago, and that the list of due reforms is very long. Hence, he considers that the EU needs to have a tailor-made approach to the BiH's accession process. Mrs Pack in answer to those remarks reassured the Presidents about the EU's keen interest in BiH's particular situation and in its successful reform path. What needs to be done for EU accession is a question for local politicians, not the EU. The EU is not demanding more from BiH than from any other candidate states, and it is in the interest of the country itself to be well prepared and to reach EU standards.

Ms Neveďalová agreed that the question rather lies with what the citizens of BiH expect from their joining the EU. She called on to the politicians to follow the great example of young people in the country who are very keen to work together on common projects.

Ms Schaake underlined that BiH is already in a special position, since the EU is already fully committed to its accession process in spite of some difficult discussions about broader enlargement. "The ball is in your court", she said. She agreed that a lot has been done after the war, but at the same time there are too many barriers for BiH's rising generation to be able to work seamlessly with other young people in Europe, a circumstance which be changed urgently.

Mr Radmanovic concluded the meeting with a shade of bitterness, owing to his opinion that the EU has been paying more attention to the other Balkan countries than BiH, and with a stated conviction that any issues on the road to the EU need to be addressed and solved jointly.

10:00 - 11:00 Visit to the National Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina

During this visit the delegation was hosted by the Director of the Gallery, as well as by staff members guiding the permanent setting "Retrospectum", the exhibition of Victor Vasarely and the exhibition Rene Blok: Cetinje's Portfolio".

11:15 - 12:15 Meeting with the youth project: art house cinema Kriterion Sarajevo.

This unique concept was launched in Amsterdam after World War II and combines culture, youth employments and entrepreneurship. 15 years after the war, ongoing economic crises, tense political situation and the lack of perspective give the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina little cause for faith in the future. Unemployment rates, especially amongst youth, are skyrocketing. Many cultural centres that were destroyed during the are not being rebuilt. In spite of this, there is palpable cultural energy in the city.

Foundation Kriterion Sarajevo is working on developing civil society, by building capabilities for youth, by channelling and guiding their needs and talents into concrete activities. One of the main goals is to create the sense for teamwork and to stimulate youth's self-confidence, by giving opportunities to become financially independent.

A group of young enthusiasts showed the delegation around the building currently under construction, but which in the not so distant future will become an art house cinema. After it opens, students will run the management of the cinema and will be responsible for day-to-day business. All revenues will be put back into the cinema. With the income from the tickets and the art house cafe, the students will earn a decent salary and cover remaining expenses. Through this wide range of activities students get the chance to gain experience in different kinds of employment.

Mrs Schaake congratulated the students on their initiative, and urged them to keep up their spirits and persevere with their ambitious project. She said that there was no doubt as to the ultimate positive results, thanks to the energetic and enthusiastic young people who manage the process. She also asked the students to keep her informed of how the project unfolds.

12:30 Press conference at the Hotel "Europe"

The common press conference between the EP delegation and the Director of the Festival "Sarajevo Winter" concluded the delegation visit.

Members called on everyone to work towards overcoming ethnic divisions in the country and to work together for a better future. They thanked the organizers of the Festival "Sarajevo Winter" for their continued efforts to carry on with this great cultural event and for giving them the opportunity to see something of the real soul of the region.

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