European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated in an interview that Milorad Dodik will not be a counterpart in discussions on solutions for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
She clearly emphasized that Dodik, through his actions, is obstructing BiH‘s European path and that, because of this, he cannot be a relevant partner in the European integration process.
“He is a politician with secessionist ambitions, who is against European integration, does not respect the order established by the Dayton Peace Agreement, and claims rights that do not belong to him,” said Kos.
She added that the European Union (EU) is working to find a way to move BiH from its current state onto the path toward Brussels, but that this requires key reforms and the stabilization of conditions in the country. She stressed that even in Republika Srpska (RS), more than 50 percent of citizens support BiH‘s European perspective, despite Dodik’s rhetoric.
Kos also pointed out that the current situation in BiH is extremely tense, assessing that Dodik’s actions are further destabilizing the country. She recalled analysts’ warnings that this is one of the most dangerous periods for BiH since the end of the war.
When asked whether Dodik would be a counterpart for the EU in seeking solutions for BiH, Kos was categorical:
“He will not.”
The EU, as she emphasized, continues to work on ensuring that BiH meets the conditions for the start of negotiations as soon as possible and strengthens its European path – but without cooperation with politicians who actively work against that goal.
