There has been much talk about Bosnia and Herzegovina in Berlin. The Bundestag approved the mandate extension of German soldiers in the EUFOR’s mission. The position of the High Representative, currently held by Christian Schmidt, is also under discussion. Schmidt submitted his resignation in May, but he will remain in office until the appointment of his successor, which the Peace Implementation Council should finalize by the end of the month.
On that occasion, Anton Hofreiter, the Chairman of the Committee on European Union Affairs, spoke to Deutsche Welle. His stance is that the Federal Government should not bow to Trump’s inner circle, arguing that it is too lenient with Milorad Dodik and Aleksandar Vučić. The Federal Government in the Western Balkans, Hofreiter believes, is doing a lot and some proposals are good, but everything has to be backed by clear statements – above all, actions.
“I expect from the Federal Government to firmly support Christian Schmidt, and to communicate clearly, especially to the US, that we cannot allow Trump’s clan, which corruptly interferes in politics, to meddle in Europe purely for money. This threatens the survival of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the peaceful process. Schmidt holds an exceptionally complicated position, which certainly draws some criticism, but the main problem in Bosnia and Herzegovina is undoubtedly Dodik, and, now, Trump’s administration. For this reason, I expect from Germany, one of the most powerful countries in the world and the strongest one in Europe, to find clear statements and not to bow down before Trump,” Hofreiter stated.
When asked if Bosnia and Herzegovina still needs the Office of the High Representative, he replied: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is a very complexly structured state, and that function was necessary in the past, and, I believe, today as well. But, of course, the goal is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s development to the point when the Office of High Representative is no longer needed.”
This German politician believes that the German government is too lenient towards the President of Serbia:” What Vučić is doing in his own country has nothing to do with democratic standards. This German politician believes that the German government is too lenient towards the President of Serbia:” What Vučić is doing in his own country has nothing to do with democratic standards. In such a situation, it should be clearly stated –“Vučić, if you act this way, you cannot become an EU member, you must adhere to democratic standards.” Furthermore, I would like to see the Federal Government take a clear stance towards Tirana as well, where Trump’s corrupt circle is once again violating European law and destroying protected natural areas to build a luxury resort.”
