Bećirović in Budapest: Yesterday, BiH was the victim of territorial expansionism, today it is Ukraine, and tomorrow it could be anyone

(Patria) - Chairman of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović addressed the final plenary session of the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Budapest today.

You can read Bećirović's address below.

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to participate in the 5th Summit of the European Political Community and to exchange views on our common challenges.

Russia's aggression against Ukraine has caused tectonic geopolitical changes in Europe and the world. Russian aggression has dramatically increased the need for the EU to strengthen its influence in its immediate neighborhood. Therefore, one of the most important questions is how to prepare the EU and the European continent for new threats.

We should primarily build European unity on common values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. Defending these values is not the duty of just one state or one organization. It is a common mission of all democratic states, which implies cooperation and solidarity.



Ladies and gentlemen, we must face the facts. The specters of the past have been awakened again. Russian aggression has revived the policy of territorial expansionism.

Yesterday, Bosnia and Herzegovina was the victim of territorial expansionism, today it is Ukraine, and tomorrow any country could be if we do not stop this evil.

European countries are at a crossroads and have two options. The first option is to establish interstate relations modeled after EU countries. It means peace, security, and development in the common interest. The second option is to adopt the Russian model of relations with neighbors. That is a path to great misfortune and tragedy.

Let us learn from the past and turn to the future. An iron curtain has fallen again in Europe. A long and difficult struggle for the salvation of democracy lies before us. This is a time when we are all being tested.

In the new circumstances, no one can be neutral. Neutrality is another name for supporting Russia. Bosnia and Herzegovina belongs to the free and democratic part of the world.

Let us strengthen security and democracy together. These are the two pillars on which a stable society is based. Our efforts should be directed towards strengthening democratic institutions by supporting reform processes, civil society, and independent media.

Through responsible, united, and proactive action, we can improve security on the European continent. Let us show zero tolerance for any form of aggression and violation of human rights and freedoms.