Blockades, disappearing money and political showdowns – these words could briefly describe the current European path of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is increasingly under question. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina received candidate status for membership in the European Union two years ago, concrete progress is lacking. The question remains who is responsible for the impasse and whether the European perspective has become just a political phrase.
Impasse on the European path
Two years after the conditional “yes” to Bosnia and Herzegovina for opening negotiations with the European Union – there are no negotiations. Reforms are late, laws are stalled, and between political accusations and impasse, millions are disappearing before the eyes of citizens.
And Brussels is clearly warning – we are threatened with the loss of an additional 374 million euros if there is no political will from those who have made the commitment.
The Head of the European Union Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luigi Soreca, said that the Union has no alternative plan when it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s membership.
“The European Union has no other plan than for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become a full member of the European Union. As you know, the EU is present here and we continue to work and cooperate through our office, given that we enjoy the support of 73 percent of citizens who want membership in the European Union,” said Soreca.
Political accusations and blockades
The percentage of those who do not want the EU tick is in the minority, but with a veto in their hands in the institutions, so the processes and reform laws are stalled, and they are looking for an alibi for this in the international community.
Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željka Cvijanović (SNSD) claims that the constitutional framework is not an obstacle to European integration, but the way it is interpreted.
“The constitutional structure established by the Dayton Agreement is not an obstacle to European integration, economic progress, institutional development or democracy. The obstacles are illegal impositions, interventionism, constant disruption of the constitutional balance and, finally, the unacceptable colonial status of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 21st century,” said Cvijanović.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Elmedin Konaković (NiP), said that the European path is blocked by the political actions of the SNSD.
“The SNSD has completely blocked the European path. I have been saying this since the conditional decision to open negotiations. I appeal to the European Union to understand what is happening here, that it is about Russia’s influence on the path of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and not to watch silently, but to take concrete actions together with the pro-European parties so that we can continue without Dodik,” said Konaković.
Criticism from civil society
Civil society is making it concrete: the European path is being consciously obstructed, and political leaders declaratively support it by spreading a false pro-European narrative.
The President of the Croatian National Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stipe Prlić, assessed that European values are often only formally accepted.
“Although they swear by Europe, it is probably because of the money that is received or should be received from Europe. Everything else they agree on how to divide, while in essence they do not agree with or want the European Union or European principles,” said Prlić.
The Vice President of the Croatian National Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivo Komšić, believes that there are deeper political reasons for the stalemate.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina with two entities cannot be a member of the European Union and they know it, which is why they are obstructing this path to the European Union,” said Komšić.
Between promises and reality
Amid accusations of blockages, calls for reforms and different political visions, the key question remains – does Bosnia and Herzegovina really want membership in the European Union or has the European path become just a political promise without real intent, Federalna writes.
