The message of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who spoke about difficult times for the people of Serbia but also vowed to fight for its victory, has been viewed with concern by the Italian media Europa Today.
“Not only in Kosovo but all over the Balkans dangerous winds are blowing,” it writes, based on the “existential threats” to his country mentioned by Vučić. According to the author Alessia Capasso, among the dates to be closely watched for the fate of the region are May 5 and 6, when the Great Assembly of Easter will be held, where, as the president of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, has said, “important decisions for the survival of the Serbian people will be made.”
“As a result, Vučić’s worrying messages push forward the hypothesis that on those dates, an announcement might be made about the union between Serbia and Republika Srpska. Then the never-healed wounds in the countries of former Yugoslavia would be reopened,” the article highlights, sounding the alarm that if this were to happen or move towards something concrete, the Balkans could return to conflict.
The article also mentions the ongoing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, exacerbated by the decision on the dinar and the move towards membership in the Council of Europe. More concerning, however, is Dodik’s desire to separate Republika Srpska from Bosnia. Recently, the politician, who is sanctioned by the USA, announced that he would organize a referendum on the territory’s status.
“Goodbye Bosnia, get ready for Republika Srpska exit,” Dodik wrote in English after a meeting with Vučić, in a message to the international community. The European Union opened membership negotiations to curb separatist ideas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Dodik viewed this decision unfavorably. The Italian media further highlights that Russian President Vladimir Putin also supports the idea of the union of Republika Srpska with Serbia.
