US Embassy: Dodik and his destructive policies are the main obstacle to BiH's European future

(Patria) - Milorad Dodik claims to be "ready for the EU", but his embrace of Vladimir Putin and Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, his anti-Dayton rhetoric and actions, and attacks on state-level institutions necessary for navigating Bosnia and Herzegovina's path to Euro-Atlantic integration contradict Mr. Dodik's claim, according to the US Embassy.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina's integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions requires the collective efforts of all political actors. Instead of engaging in good faith negotiations with his ruling coalition partners, Mr. Dodik continues to practice a policy of blockade and blackmail while seeking to blame others for the lack of progress.

The 1+3 conditions set by the European Union are clear and easily understandable. The standards required to meet them are simple. The question for Mr. Dodik is whether he is ready to do the work necessary to meet these conditions, work that could and should have been completed months ago. So far, the answer is "no".

Dodik's ultimatums do not represent good faith engagement with his coalition partners and do not reflect a genuine commitment to the EU. The main obstacle to BiH's European future is Mr. Dodik and his destructive policies. He now wants to escape responsibility for his actions, but if BiH does not take another step forward in March, it is clear where the blame will lie: with Mr. Dodik," the US Embassy stated.