Dragan Čović, President of the Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HDZ BiH), addressed the media during the 27th session of the HDZ Presidency in Mostar. Čović discussed current political and security challenges, energy projects, and upcoming party activities.
At the beginning of his address, Čović emphasized that the session was still ongoing but that key topics had already been defined.
“You have shown interest in our work. As you know, the 27th session of the HDZ Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is still ongoing, but I came before you so you would not have to wait too long. We discussed the current political and security challenges we are facing, as well as the functioning of the government at all levels. We spoke with our partners in the government. We also talked to our partners in government, and I think those talks have generally been constructive. We are talking about these matters before the election activities. As you know, on the 13th and 14th, a joint session of the Presidency and the Central Committee will be held, during which we will adopt the HDZ strategy for the next elections and define our candidate for the Croatian member of the Presidency,” Čović said.
He added that the party is addressing numerous operational issues.
“We want, considering that the end of March approaches, to have all the financial documents we need to submit to the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as on behalf of the Croatian Democratic Union, ready. Many activities await us in the following month, April, so we are preparing a schedule for them,” said the leader of the HDZ of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Southern Gas Interconnection and State Property
Answering media questions about the Southern Gas Interconnection and the document on state property, Čović emphasized the importance of energy investments.
“I think we have already made that clear to you and that an agreement has been reached. The fact that it was adopted by the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina speaks for itself. We can go into the details if you like, but the main point is that a company has been chosen to take over the project. A significant number of energy projects were planned for implementation there, including those related to the airports in Mostar and Sarajevo, as well as many other investments. We estimated that roughly one and a half billion dollars will be invested in such a project. We expect confirmation this week by the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples, and with that, the law – amendments to the Law on Southern Gas Interconnection – would be finalized,” Čović explained.
He also emphasized the importance of international agreement:
“The ultimate goal is for an agreement to be signed on this topic between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Council of Ministers by the end of April. This means an international agreement between the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The agreement ensures that the Southern Gas Interconnection will be connected to Croatia, and we hope the agreement will be signed in Dubrovnik by the end of April. At the time of signing, there will be a major forum attended by representatives of the U.S. administration, who are expected to be present.”
Čović sees the state property issue as a key obstacle to investment.
“State property is also connected to this topic. When we spoke with the U.S. administration in Sarajevo and Zagreb, we presented state property as one of the vital issues and an obstacle to the implementation of these and other projects that have been pending for a long time and are of public interest. Of course, at that time we asked for a solution. I addressed it publicly, to you as well, I think, when I asked that the High Representative either withdraw the current decisions and ensure normal operation, or provide a clearer explanation of the decisions that have been made,” Čović said.
He added that positions with partners are somewhat aligned.
“I listened to feedback from colleagues from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on that matter, and we more or less agree. The interests of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be protected. On the other hand, it is necessary to enable normal functioning, while all other levels of government operate in accordance with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In other words, what the cantonal level of government requires, as it falls under its jurisdiction, can also be communicated at the entity level or beyond,” he added.
Election Technology and Accusations of Blockades
Commenting on the public call for new election technologies and accusations of blockades, the HDZ leader was clear.
“There is no reason to accuse us. This stopped bothering me a long time ago, as I got used to it, but it is a baseless accusation, truly baseless. If someone applies for a public call, then it must be carried out professionally. I cannot comment, because neither of the companies is in any way connected to HDZ or me, so I cannot comment on that. There are clear election rules, and those in charge of that process should be aware of their actions,” Čović said, adding:
“It is very interesting that the company was chosen despite the objections of the representatives of the Croatian people in the Central Electoral Commission. I think that electoral commission is not elected according to the law, and I have emphasized this for years. But not to speculate – let institutions do their jobs. HDZ is not working with anyone to block the processes. If anyone needs transparent elections, it is HDZ and the Croatian people.”
Security Situation and Fan Incidents
Čović also reflected on recent security incidents in Herzegovina and beyond, linking them in part to the pre-election period and fan groups.
“Regarding the security situation, which is one of the topics in the Presidency, these issues are concerning, but they should also be considered in the context of the current environment and the upcoming elections, as various pre-election activities have already begun. Every day, people are switching from one party to another, including those holding key positions, and that sends different messages. The incident involving fans in Široki Brijeg is concerning. What happened in Mostar is also related to fan groups. There was an armed robbery in a store in Mostar, and an incident in Stolac, again linked to fan groups,” Čović added.
He called on institutions to respond:
“It is concerning that such things are happening, and security institutions should address them. I believe the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the minister, and the police commissioner responded appropriately, as they have acted quickly in previous situations. The issue with fan groups is the ‘wall of silence’; they have their own code and will not speak about the other side. If we look at the statistics from the past year and a half, these incidents occur in other countries as well, not just here. The most important thing is that institutions are doing their job, that they know who the perpetrators are, so they can be held responsible.”
Fiscal Policy and Addictions in Society
In conclusion, Čović addressed economic issues and social concerns such as betting shops.
“On fiscal matters, all parties have a very positive stance, but we must achieve alignment. Recently, many parties had introduced different initiatives. There were activities on this topic in the House of Representatives, and we supported them, but unfortunately, it did not make it onto the agenda. There are other activities as well – our people, whose livelihoods are currently at risk, particularly in the BH industry, are seeking an increase in customs duties on certain products. The state must approach this professionally and responsibly,” Čović emphasized.
He particularly highlighted the issue of addiction.
“Today, betting and gambling addiction is one of the key issues in our society. This must be resolved systemically, not in an uncoordinated way or for political gain during election campaigns. We must act as a well-ordered society. You saw how governments in the region responded to crises related to energy sources – they implemented measures to protect citizens. We should act in the same way. We enacted a set of fiscal laws at the level of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; this is the path we should follow. That is the only way to ensure stability, social security, and the normal functioning of society,” Čović said, among other things, N1 writes.
