CSS: Collapse of energy security in BiH

(Patria) - In a time of perhaps the most challenging, if not historical, then certainly generational changes on the international stage, related to existing conflicts and threatened global supply chains, Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing serious problems in the domain of energy security. Consequently, its national security in the areas of defense, civil protection, economy, and geopolitical resilience is also threatened, writes the Center for Security Studies (CSS) in its analysis.

"By closing the only steel factory in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which consequently leads to the closure of related strategic mineral mines, the viability of railway transport is also seriously threatened. Problems with fuel supply to the refinery in Republika Srpska, or the absence of a refinery in the Federation of BiH, create a dangerous precedent for the protection of BiH's territorial integrity and sovereignty in the domain of defense and security.

The state's inability to independently ensure steel production, railway transport as the greatest transport potential, or energy supply for the needs of defense and security institutions, as well as citizens, most directly undermines the basic security system of any state. To what extent politicians in power are aware of what the lack of these state systems means for the defense industry, the cessation of key railway transport, the lack of fuel for the army, police, civil protection services, or the lack of energy for key infrastructural systems such as hospitals, telecommunications, or production plants, should be practically demonstrated to citizens in a very short period.

Reliance and dependence on imported minerals and energy in an era of tectonic international changes, where energy stability is a top priority for all governments in the world, and especially for European Union officials, is not worth or worthy of discussion at any level of decision-making about the future of citizens and the governance of the country. Escalating rhetoric and unnecessarily raising tensions with the closest neighbors, through whom you must ensure your energy independence, are certainly not alternatives to building regional relations based on dialogue and mutual respect for interests. In that domain, you cannot rely on the OHR either, as a solution and an alibi for the existing policy unprepared to tackle serious state issues.

A country without its own steel, quality transport communications, and secure sources of energy stability is doomed to failure. We hope that for the sake of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, those who aspire to gain the trust of voters in the upcoming elections to govern the country on their behalf will realize this as soon as possible. Clear, concrete, and achievable strategies for protecting energy security are the least they should offer citizens in the coming period," state CSS.