BUDIMIR: EUROPEAN STUDENT UNION'S GENERAL ASSEMBLY AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE HIGHER EDUCATION IN SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, MAY 13 /SRNA/ - Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of Republika Srpska Željko Budimir said that the session of the General Assembly of the European Student Union in Banja Luka is a great opportunity to promote higher education in Republika Srpska and its universities.

Budimir has noted that the Srpska Government financially supported the organisation of the General Assembly session of the European Student Union, titled "Board Meeting 89 - Banja Luka".

"This is an opportunity to show that our higher education system operates in a way compatible with all European systems," Budimir told the press in Banja Luka ahead of the General Assembly session.

He stresses how proud he is of the Student Parliament of the Banja Luka University and the Student Union of Srpska, organising the event.

"I would like to thank the students who organised and exercised their ability to carry out such events. Promotion is important for Republika Srpska, so that young people have opportunity to come and see that we have a stable education system, particularly in higher education. We are in no way lagging behind European education systems," Budimir emphasized.

Ana Sibinčić, the speaker of the Student Parliament of the Banja Luka University, says the session will last for seven days, and that more than 130 students from over 40 European countries have arrived in Banja Luka.

She highlighted the importance of exchanging ideas with representatives of the European Students Union's General Assembly, the umbrella student organisation.

"This is a significant event for the University, as we are organising discussions, sessions, and panels where we will exchange experiences and define what we can improve and the course we should take," Sibinčić noted.

She added that Banja Luka students proposed the topic of a student alliance within European organisations and will also work on expanding cooperation with European cities.

Nikola Šobot, the deputy head of the Srpska Student Union, stated that one of the topics would be European economic integration.

"We've prepared a very rich programme for the students. The goal is to present our city and country in the best possible way," Šobot said, adding that a new head of the European Students Union will be elected at the General Assembly.

Kristina Pantelić Babić, Vice-Rector for International and Interuniversity Cooperation at the University of Banja Luka, says the event is an opportunity to showcase the advantages of Republika Srpska, Banja Luka, and its university to students from across Europe.

"Our strengths include popular and diverse study programmes, as well as the opportunity to study within the University Campus," Babić noted.

Karlo Škorić, a student from Croatia, said that the European Student Union represents nearly 20 million students across Europe and that he is pleased Banja Luka students decided to host this major event.

"Everything has been excellently organised so far. We are also preparing for the elections for the new presidency of the European Student Union," Škorić said.

Students from Poland expressed their happiness of being in Banja Luka and noted that organixing the General Assembly session of the European Student Union is a major undertaking.

The General Assembly session titled "Board Meeting 89 - Banja Luka" is being held for the 89th time, for the first time in Republika Srpska and BiH.

During the session, participants will adopt recommendations and conclusions that will influence the development of education policies across Europe.