During a visit to Sarajevo on May 13, President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, expressed concern over what he called “separatist actions by Republika Srpska,” describing them as a threat to the stability and European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I came to Sarajevo to deliver a message of concern about the separatist moves in Republika Srpska,” Costa stated, emphasizing that political tensions are hindering internal cooperation and progress on the European path.
He called for a de-escalation of tensions and a sincere commitment from political leaders toward reform.
Costa reiterated that the European Union remains committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European future and expressed disappointment that, unlike other Western Balkan countries, Bosnia has yet to benefit from the EU’s Growth Plan funds.
“Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina may pay a high price if the opportunities offered by the EU are not seized,” he said, pointing out that €1.085 billion in assistance remains frozen due to the lack of reforms.
Meanwhile, members of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency gave conflicting messages.
The current Chair of the Presidency, Željka Cvijanović, insisted that dialogue with the EU should proceed without the presence of the international high representative, blaming foreign interference for the political crisis, according to Radio Free Europe.
On the other hand, Denis Bećirović directly accused Republika Srpska’s president, Milorad Dodik, of collaborating with Russia and attempting to destabilize the country, calling him “Moscow’s puppet.”
He added that the high representative is not the source of the crisis and called for the deployment of appropriate forces at the border.
The European Union is requesting that Bosnia and Herzegovina adopt two specific laws and appoint a chief negotiator in order to enable the first intergovernmental conference and start accession talks.
However, due to the blockade at the state level and political deadlock, the European path has been delayed. Bosnia and Herzegovina is still in the process of fulfilling 14 priorities set by the European Commission to move forward.
