Dodik: We will do everything to ensure BiH gets a positive opinion

BRUSSELS, (Patria) - Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Milorad Dodik, Chairman of the Presidency of BiH, held a press conference after Dodik handed over the answers to additional questions from the European Commission's Questionnaire today. 

"Our opinion is the basis for the final decision, but member states will take into account the general political situation and atmosphere in the country. It might be a mistake to believe that nothing needs to be done from today onwards, quite the opposite, the necessary reforms must continue. It is important, and it is in the interest of the citizens of BiH, to reach an agreement on roaming; this is a concrete result that shows the usefulness of approaching Europe, but also the issue of reaching an agreement on certain matters related to university accreditation, as the Erasmus+ program is at stake," said Hahn.

He stated that he got the impression that Dodik wants the governments to be established as soon as possible, and that the citizens' expectations are justified. 

Milorad Dodik thanked Mogherini and Hahn for today's meeting and the opportunity to hand over the answers to them. He emphasized that there is a consensus among all relevant factors and that they are committed to European integration and approaching the EU.

"BiH has a specific decision-making system, which slows down this process, but the Coordination Mechanism has provided the best modality for harmonizing all answers to European questions in order to arrive at unified answers. I express my satisfaction with this fact," said Dodik, noting that the government should be formed by the end of March and that everything will be done to ensure BiH receives a positive opinion. 

Dodik emphasized that BiH is the only one that has not signed the roaming agreement and stated that the members of the Presidency are "ready tomorrow to sign the directive on roaming which gives our citizens the opportunity for cheaper roaming."

"Regarding higher education, Commissioner Hahn pointed out that we must not allow any of our universities to lose the chance to apply for funds from the European Union. We will put this issue on the agenda very soon. Universities and students as a whole should be helped.

Dodik emphasized that he believes that obtaining candidate status will give BiH new dynamics. He announced the continuation of work on stalled reforms, highlighting the need for public administration reform. 

Dodik said that the conversation with Mogherini and Hahn was cordial, but there were remarks that these answers should have arrived long ago. 

When asked if he informed his interlocutors about the reasons for the failure to form a government, Dodik said that the EU wants BiH to have its own dynamics and to move forward. 

"The formation of government in BiH based on election results remains. The formation of the Council of Ministers of BiH, the Government of FBiH, and some cantons remains, but these talks will take place this week.

Dodik also said in Brussels that "the Bosniak side wants consent for the MAP to be given before the appointment of a mandate-holder. There is no consent for that. The formation of government bodies is not conditioned by anything and should not be conditioned by anything."

One of the journalists' questions concerned the secession of Republika Srpska, to which Dodik replied that he is committed to strengthening the Dayton capacities. 

"The Dayton Agreement has been violated. I do not want to close or open any issue, no one in Republika Srpska is working on the secession of Republika Srpska, but one should not remain silent about it; there are public expectations about it. I see that BiH needs to return to the Dayton principles and that work is being done on that," said Dodik. 

Hahn clarified that the common goal is to have a positive opinion. 

"Some questions have not been answered, some questions concern education. Now it is our task to get in touch with the authorities to get a good answer to the unanswered questions. This might affect the timeline, but we still need a complete picture of this issue to be able to respond, but I doubt it is a challenge. The High Representative has assured me that he has engaged on these issues and is working on them, in order to alleviate the concerns of Republika Srpska," said Hahn.