Is Bosnia and Herzegovina a step closer to NATO membershipor does everything still remain within the framework of voluntary cooperation? Did Košarac obstruct Bosnia and Herzegovina’s drone project before it even took off, and can Helez politically ground Dodik? As retrograde policies spread globally, have pro-Bosnian political forces missed their opportunity? Can Bosnia and Herzegovina defend itself from domestic actors without external oversight? The guest of the Plenum programme was Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Defence, Zukan Helez.
Helez said that the adoption of the 2025 NATO Reform Programme represents an important step forward despite delays.
“We were late. We experienced a two-year standstill, but we have caught up. We are now aligned with NATO’s requirements. That is a positive development.”
He added that Bosnia and Herzegovina had also submitted the Individual Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) for the 2025–2028 periods.
“That document has been adopted in Brussels, and we are currently responding to questionnaires. This is another step closer to NATO membership.”
He emphasized that during his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, NATO’s Deputy Secretary General stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the fastest-advancing countries seeking membership.
“Of all the countries waiting to join NATO, we are advancing the fastest. That is a very encouraging signal.”
Regarding the Armed Forces, Helez stated that the technical requirements have been fulfilled.
“As far as the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces are concerned, we have met all the conditions, and in some areas even exceeded them. I am proud of that. From a professional standpoint, we are ready for full NATO membership. The rest depends on political consensus.”
Regional Military Blocs: “We Do Not Need Those Alliances”
Commenting on the military cooperation between Albania, Kosovo and Croatia, as well as the agreement between Serbia and Hungary, Helez said Bosnia and Herzegovina remains outside such arrangements.
“We do not need those alliances. Our key partner is the United States. We have had 20 years of cooperation with the Maryland National Guard.”
He added that Bosnia and Herzegovina also maintains strong cooperation with Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
“We are partners with the world’s leading power. That is sufficient. We do not need additional military-political blocs.”
He stressed that taking sides could further deepen internal divisions.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a multi-ethnic state. Aligning with one side would alienate another. We do not need that.”
Drones and Bayraktars: “The Contract Has Already Been Signed”
Speaking about domestic drone production and the disputed permit related to BNT Travnik, Helez said there is no ban.
“If there were procedural shortcomings, they must be corrected. The company has production approval, and no one can prohibit that.”
He confirmed the procurement of Turkish Bayraktar drones.
“The contract has already been signed. VAT and pricing were the outstanding issues. A new price has been agreed, and delivery is expected by the end of March. Two large and five smaller drones will arrive. These are combat unmanned aerial vehicles.”
He added that preparations have been completed.
“Training has been finalized. The hangars are ready. Živinice Airport meets all operational requirements. Once delivered, the drones will immediately become part of the Armed Forces.”
Camps near Banja Luka: “I Raised the Alarm, They Mocked Me”
Helez said he was the first to warn about alleged training camps for foreign nationals near Banja Luka.
“I was the only one raising concerns. I was attacked and accused of making things up.”
He stated that Moldovan authorities had confirmed their existence.
“The court ruling in Moldova clearly states that individuals were trained on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, near Banja Luka. It is now up to our Prosecutor’s Office to investigate.”
He added that the leadership of Republika Srpska was aware.
“It is impossible to organize such camps near a major city without the authorities knowing. I have additional information but will not disclose it publicly.”
On Dodik: “An Outspoken Separatist”
Speaking about Milorad Dodik, Helez was direct.
“That rhetoric and street-level language, reflect personal frustration. He paid lobbyists to gain access to the United States. He is an outspoken separatist who does not hide his ambitions.”
He argued that Dodik lobbies in the US but lacks real influence.
“You can hire lobbyists, but that does not mean you reach decision-makers. The position of the United States is clear. NATO’s position is clear. They will not allow a vacuum in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
He said Dodik would not be part of state-level government while leading the SNSD.
“Any pro-Bosnian party that invites Dodik into government would be acting against Bosnia and Herzegovina. As long as he heads the SNSD, he will not sit in the Council of Ministers.”
“If He Moves Toward Secession – We Will Activate Plan B”
Asked what would happen if Dodik attempted secession, Helez delivered his strongest message.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina was internationally recognised in 1992 without entities. If he proceeds with secession, within five days we would proclaim the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and revert to its constitutional framework. That is provided for in Dayton.”
He added that those who attempt secession would be declared a separatist terrorist organization and that all competencies would revert to the state level.
He insisted this was not a threat but a response to a hypothetical scenario.
“I am not threatening anyone. But what would any defence minister do if someone tried to secede part of his country?”
“This is a Pyrrhic victory. He was buying votes, handing out favors, lobbying and stealing. He barely defeated Blanuša by 2–3%, even though Blanuša approached the elections honestly. I believe the citizens of Republika Srpska have realized that Milorad Dodik is the greatest evil for them. And the kind of people around him is evident from the fact that Kovačević, who was previously a member of the SDP, once said that Republika Srpska was a genocidal creation. He would sell his own father for his personal interest. People know who he is, who Dodik is and who Stevandić is, and that is why they are nervous.”
Helez expressed concern that Dodik could inflame new conflicts and compared his role to that of a troublesome schoolboy whose behaviour causes the entire class to end up fighting.
“Plan B has been elaborated down to the smallest detail, but we will not activate it unless necessary. If it comes to that, there will be no turning back. That is why I call on people to lower tensions and operate within the constitution and the law, because everything revolves around one man and his chair. One notorious fool could drag us into conflict and war.”
“We Have Stronger Allies Than They Think”
Asked who Bosnia and Herzegovina’s allies are, Helez replied:
“The United States, Türkiye, NATO, The European Union are our allies. We have far stronger and more powerful allies than they think.”
He added that Bosnia and Herzegovina must also rely on itself.
“I will not wait for someone’s mercy. We must be prepared for every challenge. When they see that we are strong, they will support us.”
“Dayton Will Be Undone if Anyone Secedes”
Speaking about the possibility of secession, Zukan Helez outlined the most radical scenario. “If we declare the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it simply continues because it is already recognized. No one needs to recognize it. It was recognized as such in 1992.”
He emphasized that any potential secession of part of the country would automatically mean the end of the Dayton structure. “Nowhere in Dayton is it allowed for any part of Bosnia and Herzegovina to secede. If you do it unilaterally, it means the Dayton structure no longer exists. Dayton is undone.”
He also explained how, in his view, the process would unfold: “A referendum would be organized. This is the fundamental right to verify the will of the citizens. I am convinced that three-quarters would vote for the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, not two-thirds. What I am saying is not just my opinion – it is the stance of every patriot in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Everyone who loves this country wants the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
“Dayton and the Transfer of Competencies – SNSD Constantly Blocks”
Helez accused the SNSD of constantly trying to reduce state competencies and transfer them to the Republika Srpska entity. “They try to transfer something from the state to the entity every time. Then they go and negotiate, seek lobbying with international partners, to prevent us from implementing what is constitutional. We will not allow that.”
According to him, the SNSD is now completely subordinated to Dodik and his external influences: “He is on the remote control of Vučić and Putin. Their goal is to halt European integration, constantly claim that the state is dysfunctional and needs restructuring. Time is wasted with them, nothing constructive can be achieved.”
“Informal Additional Institution – Parties Decide on Laws”
Helez was also critical of the practice of informal agreements between parties before laws reach the Council of Ministers. In his description, there exists an “informal institution” where party leaders decide what can and cannot be put on the agenda: “I have been against this from the start. These meetings are neither legal nor constitutional. Parties decide what can reach the Council of Ministers, and we do not agree to the transfer of competencies to the entity.”
He also touched on NATO integration, stating that previous governments allowed Bosnia and Herzegovina to be presented as “just a NATO partner,” while the law clearly prescribes the full obligation of institutions to work towards membership.
