"The red line has been crossed"
This phrase is like a declaration of love from a soap opera - dramatic, pathetic and completely empty, because in reality nothing ever happens. Used so many times that it deserves a place of honor in the museum of diplomatic helplessness. The red line should be understood as a roll of red toilet paper, to be used to wipe away tears of joy, or perhaps something else, while the red-liners laugh in their faces.
"European integration has no alternative"
This is the diplomatic equivalent of a motivational quote on Instagram, posted with a picture of a sunset and the hashtag - dreamlife. "Just head towards Europe, there's no other way, realistically you can do it, or maybe you can't, but until you try, you never know...!"
"The Last Train to Europe"
This mythical train to Europe is like a bus that never arrives at the station, just like in the cult movie Who's Singing Over There. The devil is in the details, if it's "the last one", then no one can blame them for not arriving - it's our own fault for not being at the right station.
"The European perspective is open"
This phrase is the perfect way to keep Bosnia and Herzegovina in perpetual limbo, on an infusion of hope, while the EU sends the message: “Maybe one day, if you are really, really good… but we promise nothing. And don’t ask too much.” Because an open perspective roughly means that we look at the EU, and they look at us as we look.
"Urgently needed reforms"
Urgency is obviously a relative term, as these “urgent” reforms have been pending since Dayton, and have become synonymous with “never.” This phrase is like a reminder on a to-do list that gets pushed from year to year, something like “I’ll go to the gym starting Monday” or “I’ll quit smoking starting tomorrow.” These “urgent” reforms are like Godot – we all wait for them, but they never come.
"There is no room for blockages"
This phrase is the height of irony - talking about blockages in a country where the political system is designed as a labyrinth full of possibilities for blockages, and every other sentence from a politician is an announcement of a new blockage. It's like a plumber saying there's no room for leaks, when in reality water is gushing out of every pipe in your house every day.
"We express deep concern"
This is the gold standard of diplomatic passivity, the crown of false empathy. “We are deeply concerned!” they say, while writing yet another letter that no one will read. This phrase is like when a neighbor says “I’m so sorry your roof is leaking,” but doesn’t even offer a bucket, let alone a handyman. The concern is there, buried deep in protocol somewhere, but the action? Well, that’s too much work.
"BiH is the key to regional stability"
This phrase is like giving BiH the title of “best student” just because it has not yet caused complete chaos. The international community uses this phrase to justify its inaction: “If BiH is that key, we better not touch it, turn it, because who knows what will happen!” Stability, of course, means freezing the status quo.
"Dialogue is necessary"
It is a meeting without an agenda, where everyone talks, no one listens, and the conclusion is always the same: more dialogue is needed. Each such meeting is followed by a report on how the dialogue was “extremely constructive,” without any tangible results.
Dialogue is a magic word that sounds like a solution, but is actually an excuse for procrastination, buying time, and simulating activities. “Just sit down and talk, and we’ll buy you coffee!”
"You must take responsibility for the future"
In a country where irresponsibility is in its DNA, calling on politicians to take responsibility means taking away their main pre- and post-election trump card. In this way, with repeatedly repeated platitudes, although they may have the best intentions, internationalists are complicit in the disastrous policies here to continue the old successful model - we are not going anywhere and we are not doing anything!
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