Costa recalled that the European Union remains committed to the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and expressed disappointment that, unlike other Western Balkan countries, the country still does not benefit from the Growth Plan funds.
The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, during a visit to Sarajevo on 13 May, expressed concern about what he called the “separatist actions of Republika Srpska”, describing them as a threat to the stability and European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I came to Sarajevo to convey a message of concern about the separatist movements in Republika Srpska,” Costa declared, stressing that political tensions are hindering internal cooperation and progress on the European path. He called for a reduction in tensions and for a sincere commitment by political leaders towards reforms.
Costa recalled that the European Union remains committed to the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and expressed disappointment that, unlike other Western Balkan countries, the country still does not benefit from Growth Plan funds.
“The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina could pay a high price if the opportunities offered by the EU are not used,” he said, noting that one billion and 85 million euros in aid remain blocked due to the lack of reforms. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. Meanwhile, representatives of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina gave contrasting messages. The incoming Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željka Cvijanović, demanded that the dialogue with the EU take place without the high international representative, blaming foreign interference for the political crisis. On the other hand, Denis Bečirović directly accused the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, of cooperating with Russia and trying to destabilize the country, calling him a “puppet of Moscow.”
He added that the High Representative did not cause the crisis, and that it is necessary to send appropriate forces to the border. The European Union is asking Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt two laws and appoint a chief negotiator to enable the holding of the first intergovernmental conference and the launch of accession talks. However, due to the blockade of state power and political deadlock, the European path has been postponed. Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the process of fulfilling 14 priorities requested by the European Commission to advance in this direction. (RFE)
