The Municipality of Vareš hosted a visit of Peter M. Wagner, the Head of the EU’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), Johann Sattler, Head of the Delegation of the European Union/EU Special Representative in BiH, and representatives of seven local communities who are setting a positive example in building trust between different groups.  The meeting took place as part of the “Možemo bolje” project, which is financed by the EU through FPI, and is implemented jointly by the EU, UN, OSCE and Council of Europe.   The project aims to support the work of “champions of peace” – individuals and communities who are creating a positive environment for cooperation across divides. The Municipality of Vareš is one such community, where action for peace is promoted as an individual and collective responsibility. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the City of Prnjavor and the municipalities of Jablanica, Teočak, Čelić, Sapna and Lopare, which are also part of the Možemo bolje project.

The cooperation of local communities, authorities and citizens is an example of how Bosnia and Herzegovina can do better, especially in opposing narratives of division. “Možemo bolje” project was emphasized as a positive platform that enables people to truly and jointly work on development of BiH society through trust and cohesion. Through the implementation of the project so far in 23 communities supported initiatives include inter-religious learning, youth engagement, women’s empowerment, CSOs development and advocacy, cultural heritage and diversity, performing arts and applied theatre, sports activities, environmental and civil protection. Work has begun on 12 infrastructure projects in 11 communities, and the work of 27 civil society organizations was supported.