BiH Ambassador to Germany Damir Arnaut highlighted an interesting contrast in the perceptions of the two countries in Dnevnik D. While BiH citizens view Germany through the prism of work and economy, in Germany BiH is increasingly recognized through its people and tourism potential:
“Our people first think of home, family, vacation, and Germans increasingly think of Bosnia and Herzegovina as an attractive, still largely undiscovered destination.”
He adds that the growth of direct airline routes and interest in natural beauty and adventure tourism are further changing the image of the country:
“We have a really noticeable growth in German tourists. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a lot to offer.”
Diaspora and the issue of dual citizenship
Speaking of the size of the diaspora, Arnaut states that a significant number of people originally from BiH live in Germany:
“Over 320,000 of our people… we are looking at three generations of people born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also their descendants who still speak our language.”
He particularly highlights the problem of dual citizenship, which is the result of the incompatibility of the laws of the two countries:
“Germany changed the law and allowed dual citizenship, but Bosnia and Herzegovina never signed a document that would have approved it.”
As a result, many citizens are in a legal vacuum; all those who once renounced their Bosnian and Herzegovina citizenship now want to regain it, but the law makes it difficult.
“BiH needs to amend one minor provision – to enable the re-acquisition of citizenship without renouncing the other.”
Arnaut speaks openly about political resistance, especially from the SNSD:
“It is an unnecessary political issue, SNSD MPs are always against it, with the explanation that the ethnic structure will change. However, the ethnic structure of our people in Germany is identical to that in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
German support and the role of the OHR
When it comes to political support, Germany, according to Arnaut, clearly stands behind international institutions:
“The institution of the High Representative is an integral part of the Dayton Agreement and Christian Schmidt enjoys their full support.”
Attacks on the OHR and other institutions are interpreted as a threat to the constitutional order:
“All attacks on it are essentially attacks on the Dayton constitutional order.”
Germany as a key partner of BiH
Arnaut rejects the thesis that Germany has neglected BiH:
“Germany is getting more and more involved every month. It returned its contingent to EUFOR and imposed sanctions on the leadership of Republika Srpska for its anti-Dayton activities.”
He also emphasizes the responsibility of domestic actors for the stalemate on the European path:
“Germany expects our moves when it comes to European laws, but understands that the SNSD, and partly the HDZ, are mostly responsible for the stalemate that has lasted for two years.”
Lobbying, sanctions and political influence
Speaking of attempts to lift sanctions, Arnaut emphasizes that Germany is not changing course:
“There are no indications that things could go in that direction, despite lobbying by the leadership of Republika Srpska.”
He specifically refers to the incident with Nazi symbols:
“This is unprecedented in German politics. It is unthinkable for a high-ranking official to do something like this without the approval or order of Milorad Dodik.”
He concludes that such moves have further strengthened Germany’s position on sanctions.
State property and the international framework
He sees the issue of state property as a long-standing, but clearly defined problem:
“Germany is fully committed to resolving this issue in accordance with the rulings of the Constitutional Court. The state owns this property.”
He also recalls previous political agreements within BiH:
“Pro-Bosnian parties agreed on their positions on state property three years ago.”
OHR and the European Future
Although he supports the gradual winding down of the OHR with BiH’s accession to the European Union, he emphasizes that there are no conditions for this yet:
“Germany’s position is that at this moment there are absolutely no conditions for winding down the OHR. The point is not just to become an EU member, but to create a system that deserves it.”
According to Arnaut, Germany’s role in BiH’s EU integration is crucial:
“Germany is, in every sense, the engine of the European Union. Other countries listen to its position, especially smaller members.”
But at the same time, he insists on reforms:
“Germany is demanding that the conditions be met, and that is up to us. The Germans recognize who is blocking laws, and one of my tasks is to point out to them who is obstructing.”
Berlin Process and Regional Cooperation
Germany remains strongly committed to regional cooperation:
“The Berlin Process continues and Germany is leading it as its own project.”
He emphasizes its importance for harmonization with EU standards:
“It enables the countries of the Western Balkans to more quickly harmonize their laws with the European Union.”
Extremism and the international image of BiH
Speaking about the attempts of right-wing circles in Germany to influence the perception of BiH, Arnaut warns:
“The goal was to present Bosnia and Herzegovina negatively and to accelerate the secessionist efforts of the RS leadership.”
He particularly questions the cooperation of domestic politicians with such groups:
“It is worrying that some were willing to participate in a rally with people who are being prosecuted for making a Nazi salute.”
Lobbying as a political weapon
Arnaut emphasizes the importance of lobbying, especially in international centers of power:
“During the war, lobbying brought the upper hand in favor of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Republika Srpska spends millions on lies and lobbying from which citizens get nothing but Dodik and his family.”
Finally, Arnaut assesses BiH’s foreign policy as visibly more active, but still burdened by internal differences:
“The reality is that different members of the presidency represent different positions, but Western partners clearly recognize the difference between truth and lies.”
