Bosnian ex-president: EU must lead global politics by extending internal principles

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ex-President Mladen Ivanić has said that the EU must extend its internal principles to the global stage to become a driving force in world politics.

Ivanić who served in 2014-2018 made these remarks during a panel discussion at the 12th Global Baku Forum, emphasising the need for the EU to take a more active role in shaping global affairs, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Moreover, Ivanić, who has held significant political positions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, explained that the EU is a complex, multilateral structure built on compromise.

He acknowledged that the EU has demonstrated its resilience in overcoming various challenges, but raised the critical question of whether it is ready to step up as a global leader. 

"Up until now, the EU has been an additional car on the train driven by the US. But the US no longer wants to play that role and has made it clear that they are not interested in doing so," Ivanić said. "Now, the leaders of the EU face a serious task – to start developing and implementing global rules, rather than simply following others."

Ivanić also addressed the role of China, suggesting that the Asian giant could play an important and positive role in shaping global changes, potentially working alongside other global powers to influence the future direction of world politics.

The 12th Global Baku Forum, which is being held from March 13 to 15 under the banner “Rethinking the World Order: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities,” is hosted by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre. The Forum promises to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues, including shifting geopolitics, multilateralism, the global health crisis, regional stability, COP29, and the need for reconstruction in a rapidly evolving world. More than 300 leaders from over 60 countries converge in Baku for this landmark occasion. Among them are over 25 former presidents, more than 15 former prime ministers, nearly 10 heads of UN and international agencies, as well as over 25 former ministers and deputy ministers, all gathered to shape the future of global cooperation and diplomacy.

By Naila Huseynova