H.E. Mr. Branimir Jukić , Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Montenegro
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, though today two independent states, share a rich common history and numerous current interests from economy, infrastructure, and tourism to European integration and security cooperation. These topics were discussed in an interview for Diplomacy & Commerce Montenegro magazine with His Excellency Mr. Branimir Jukić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Montenegro. In the interview, Ambassador Jukić openly speaks about the excellent bilateral relations characterized by mutual respect and understanding, as well as the challenges ahead on the path to the EU. The conversation conveys a message of closeness and shared values that bind the two countries, along with a clear vision for the future in which cooperation, stability, and concrete infrastructure and tourism projects play a key role. Finally, Ambassador Jukić emphasizes that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro are not only good neighbours but also true partners in building a stable, prosperous, and European-oriented region.
Mr. Jukić, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro shared a long common history within the same state and today continue to build relations as two independent but close countries. How do you assess the current level of bilateral relations, and which areas do you see as most promising for their further enhancement?
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro maintain strong and friendly bilateral relations, grounded in mutual respect and recognition. These ties are free from unresolved issues and have been acknowledged in European Commission reports concerning both nations. As neighbouring countries in the Western Balkans, they have signed and ratified a border agreement, fostering an environment conducive to enhancing good-neighbourly relations, which remain top priorities in both countries’ foreign policy agendas. The relationship is characterized by substantive and dynamic cooperation. Montenegro has made significant progress in its EU integration processes, and Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to rely on this partnership, exchanging experiences, practices, and negotiation methodologies with the EU. A notable development is that, in midJune, a public call was announced for the selection of a contractor to prepare the main design and construct the interstate bridge over the Tara River, which will connect Šćepan Polje in Montenegro and Hum in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This marks the beginning of the reconstruction of the Sarajevo Podgorica road route, and I believe that both you and your readers are well aware of the urgent need for this project to move forward. I believe that the development of the overall infrastructure connecting Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be one of the key tasks facing both countries in the future. Montenegro’s plan to build a network of motorways and expressways on its own territory including, in particular, the planned Adriatic-Ionian Corridor naturally extends to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moreover, we see potential in the development of railway and gas infrastructure, as well as the electricity transmission system, both within the Western Balkans and further towards the rest of Europe.
Economic ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have so far relied primarily on trade and small-scale investments. Do you see potential for stronger economic cooperation and in which sectors?
I believe that sometimes the strong economic ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Montenegro are not emphasized enough, considering the objective size of both economies. Both BiH and Montenegro are members of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), and cooperation between the competent ministries and institutions is truly fair and open. There is no practice of circumventing customs barriers, and brands established in domestic markets are present in both countries. BiH is one of the top three countries where Montenegro records the highest exports, and although BiH has a surplus in foreign trade, there is a growing number of BiH tourists visiting Montenegro. We also observe investments, not only by individuals in real estate but also by companies from BiH, particularly in the tourism sector, fuel distribution, energy production, and telecommunications.
European integration is a long and demanding process for both countries, but also their most important foreign policy objective. How much can shared experience and regional cooperation accelerate this journey and where does Bosnia and Herzegovina currently stand in that context?
Once again, I would like to congratulate Montenegro on accelerating its negotiation process and meeting the conditions for closing chapters in the EU accession process. I believe that Montenegro’s accelerated accession brings three benefits: primarily to Montenegro itself, then to the region, as Montenegro’s entry into the EU will demonstrate that the EU enlargement process remains alive and dynamic, and that reforms lead to improvements in the overall life and standards in the acceding country; and finally, for the EU itself, as enlargement remains the best common policy of the European Union, and through integration, Europe becomes a unified geopolitical entity. Bosnia and Herzegovina is slower on this path due to both objective and subjective reasons within the country itself, but I believe that the EU is the final destination for all Western Balkan countries. In the growing bilateralization of the EU accession process, I am pleased to highlight that Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) offer sincere mutual support on their EU integration paths. As previously emphasized, Montenegro has been at the forefront of EU integration efforts, and we value the sharing of experiences and practices, as well as the regular consultations between the ministries and directorates of BiH and Montenegro. This collaboration is crucial, given the multitude of practices and policies that need to be implemented, the new accession methodology, and the dynamic nature of the EU, which continues to develop and introduce new policies and legal acquis that were not previously present. Consequently, new candidate countries face an increasing number of tasks to implement. The last enlargement cycle occurred 12 years ago, making Montenegro’s experience invaluable for all countries aspiring to join the EU.
Tourism is an area where Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have much to learn from one another. Citizens of BiH often choose the Montenegrin coast for their holidays, while Montenegrins enjoy visiting Sarajevo, Jahorina, and Mostar. How do you view the potential for developing joint tourist routes, especially those that connect the natural and cultural heritage of both countries?
Tourists from Bosnia and Herzegovina see Montenegro as one of their primary holiday destinations, which is evident from statistics, as visitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina are, year after year, among the three largest outbound markets for Montenegro’s tourism industry. Moreover, Montenegro is no longer perceived solely as a summer destination; for example, New Year’s Eve celebrations in Montenegro whether in open-air venues or hotels have truly become a tourism brand. They regard Montenegro as a close and familiar country, which is naturally reciprocal. It is indeed rare to meet a citizen of either Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina who has not been to Sarajevo, Trebinje, Mostar, Budva, or Kotor. I would venture to say that, due to overall development, greater access to cars, a growing culture of travel, and generally more dynamic lifestyles, more people cross the Montenegro Bosnia and Herzegovina border today than, for example, in 1988, when we lived in a common state. Furthermore, regarding approaches to third markets, tourist destinations are already being clustered particularly those near the tri-border area of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro. Guests visiting any location in this region will almost certainly have excursions in their itineraries that include Mostar, Dubrovnik, and Kotor, all three being UNESCO-listed cities. Likewise, the Dinaric Alps represent a geographical whole from the Via Dinarica trail to wine routes, and on to rafting on the Tara River. I must also highlight the support of the EU through IPA funds, which border municipalities are making increasingly effective use of for example, the joint project of the municipalities of Foča and Plužine, Tara 2, worth more than half a million euros. What we, as states, must work on is making communication easier and faster for both entrepreneurs and tourists through infrastructure development and by ensuring a smoother and quicker flow of people across border crossings, which sometimes take unreasonably long, particularly during these summer months.
Security and stability are among the key criteria for progress toward EU membership. Do you believe that the Western Balkan countries are working together sufficiently to prevent security threats and strengthen mutual trust?
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have achieved commendable results in security cooperation. I would like to recall that both countries played a pivotal role in addressing the EU’s most significant migration challenge when hundreds of thousands of migrants from the Middle East traversed the Balkan route. As this situation posed a dual challenge both security and humanitarian and I believe both nations successfully met these challenges. During the COVID-19 crisis, exceptional collaboration was observed, not only in terms of security measures but also in humanitarian aspects. Relevant ministries, as well as courts and prosecutors, have established a well-developed system of cooperation through international organizations and initiatives (such as Interpol and MARRI) and bilateral agreements. For instance, last year, the competent prosecutors signed a Protocol on Mutual Cooperation in Combating All Forms of Serious Crime and a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Supporting Witnesses, Victims, and Damaged Parties to Facilitate Their Participation in Criminal Proceedings for War Crimes. Even in the face of natural disasters, such as last year’s floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro responded promptly by sending rescue teams and providing assistance through volunteer fire brigades from Tivat and Boka, as well as religious organizations. Police agencies and border services cooperate on a daily basis. Looking ahead, our task is to find ways to expedite border crossings, especially at established and planned joint border crossings like Sitnica–Zupci, Klobuk–Vilusi, Vraćenovići, and Šćepan Polje. We must balance the speed of human movement with maintaining a high level of mutual security.
In a time when differences are often highlighted, what do you consider the most important value that connects the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro and how can this be further nurtured?
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro are connected by shared values, ranging from anti-fascism to the core principles upheld across Europe: freedom, democracy, and human rights. Their cooperation is extensive, encompassing economic, political, local government, NGOs, media, scientific, cultural, and educational sectors. While I don’t wish to exaggerate, it’s evident that numerous events occur regularly be it sporting matches, folk performances, joint theatre productions, concerts, or exhibitions. I believe that the core just as in any relationship is mutual respect and appreciation between the two countries.
A vivid illustration of this bond is the humorous chant “burek sa sirom” (cheese pastry), which has become a symbol of the friendly rivalry and camaraderie between the fans of both countries. This chant has sparked a series of gestures of goodwill from complimentary meals and tickets to free parking at sports events culminating in a collective effort to celebrate humanity and kindness.