A group of 28 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) has urged the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, to take immediate steps to impose sanctions on Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska, the Serb entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The MEPs argue that Dodik’s recent actions constitute an attempt to separate Republika Srpska from Bosnia and Herzegovina, posing a significant threat to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to the security of the European Union.
In a signed letter, the lawmakers stress that Dodik’s close ties with the Kremlin align with Moscow’s interests and that his secessionist moves demand an urgent response from the EU. They also express concern over the failure of diplomatic efforts to change his course, insisting that sanctions are necessary to prevent further escalation.
The call for sanctions follows Dodik’s conviction by the Bosnian Court on February 26, sentencing him to one year in prison and barring him from holding office for six years. Additionally, he and other Republika Srpska leaders are under investigation for actions against Bosnia’s constitutional order, a crime that could lead to up to five years in prison and a ban from official duties.
A nationwide arrest warrant has been issued for Dodik, Republika Srpska’s Prime Minister Radovan Višković, and the Speaker of the Assembly, Nenad Stevandić.
