MEPs condemn Dodik's dangerous actions: Time for a firmer EU strategy

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - A group of MEPs today strongly condemned the actions of Milorad Dodik, which they assessed as dangerous, calling for a change in the European Union's "calming strategy" towards Dodik and possibly introducing sanctions.

In a joint statement signed by eight EU parliamentarians, it is emphasized that "rewarding secessionist policy sends an extremely bad signal to BiH politicians, citizens, and the entire region".

The signatories call on the Council of the European Union and the member states to follow the example of the United States and impose sanctions on Milorad Dodik, unless he radically changes course and takes concrete steps to de-escalate the current tensions in the country.

"We, Members of the European Parliament, strongly condemn the current dangerous actions and divisions of the BiH Presidency member Milorad Dodik, which represent a deliberate attempt to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the constitutional order and other provisions of the Dayton Peace Agreement," the statement reads.

It is further emphasized that the implementation of all projects and assistance for and in the Republika Srpska entity financed by the EU, including macro-financial assistance and financing through the IPA III fund, should be subjected to thorough and urgent review, with the aim of immediately freezing direct and indirect financing that would benefit the authorities of this entity.

MEPs also call on the EU to ensure the holding of free and fair elections in October 2022, and express full and strong support for the Office of the High Representative and its mandate in Bosnia and Herzegovina as the competent body for monitoring the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement, "resolutely defending him and his authority against public attacks by Milorad Dodik, Serbia, the Russian Federation, and other actors".

"It is high time for a firmer, clearer, and more credible approach, based on democracy, the rule of law, as well as the 14 key priorities that the country needs to fulfill in order to be recommended for the opening of accession negotiations," the MEPs emphasize.

The joint statement was signed by representatives of four political groups in the European Parliament: Tineke Strik (Greens), Michael Gahler (EPP), Tonino Picula (S&D), Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Reinhard Butikofer (Greens), Dietmar Koestner (S&D), Klemen Grošelj (Renew), and Romeo Franz (Greens).