Bosnian to Young Croatian Serbs: We Must Ensure You Freely Breathe Politically

European Parliament member Gordan Bosanac has called on young Croatian Serbs to actively participate in political life, urging that they be allowed to "freely breathe" within the country's democratic space. Speaking to participants of the Serbian National Council's (SNV) political academy during a study visit to Brussels, Bosanac highlighted the crucial role of the majority in safeguarding minority rights.

Bosanac emphasized that diversity strengthens both Croatia and Europe, a principle he contrasted with the exclusionary politics promoted by right-wing parties. He expressed concern over rising extremism and anti-immigrant sentiments globally, hoping Europe can overcome these challenges. "The majority must defend the rights of minorities, ensure they can freely breathe in the political life of the country. Both in Croatia, and especially here in the European Parliament, every diversity should be welcome, it makes Croatia, like Europe, stronger," Bosanac stated.

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The majority must defend the rights of minorities, ensure they can freely breathe in the political life of the country. And in Croatia, and I especially see this here in the European Parliament, every diversity should be welcome, it makes Croatia, like Europe, stronger. Everything contrary to what right-wing political options in Croatia promote.

Fellow MEP Tonino Picula also addressed the academy participants, focusing on the European integration process for Western Balkan nations. Having recently attended an EU-Western Balkans summit, Picula detailed the obstacles faced by countries like Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on their path to EU membership. He shared insights from his role as the EP's rapporteur for Serbia, underscoring the importance of internal dialogue within Serbia for its eventual accession.

Kateryna Haertel from the Brussels office of FUEN, a pan-European organization representing minority communities, also presented. She described FUEN as a network of solidarity and a roof organization for over 120 member organizations representing national minority and indigenous communities across the European Union and neighboring regions.

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I think it would be important for minorities to participate even more in the political life of Croatia, although I think we place too much burden on their shoulders, almost as if we leave them to themselves.