MEPs call on EU to investigate Varhelyi's responsibility for supporting Dodik

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Thirty members of the European Parliament have sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for an investigation into the role of EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi in aiding Milorad Dodik's separatist activities in BiH.

In the letter addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, parliamentarians from several political groups emphasize that they are monitoring the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and stress that BiH's territorial integrity is crucial, not only for the local but also for the regional and European perspective.

"Therefore, we are extremely concerned by the recent escalation of political tensions in BiH, fueled by Milorad Dodik, member of the Presidency of BiH. If Dodik seeks to divide the country and establish an independent RS by withdrawing from Bosnia and Herzegovina's institutions and establishing independent bodies in the territory of the RS, and if he succeeds, the consequences will be felt far beyond BiH's borders, and European foreign policy will also suffer severe consequences," the letter states.

It further states that the European Commission plays a key role in ensuring compliance with the conclusions of the Dayton Peace Agreement and ensuring peace in BiH.

"Not all European Union member states share these goals. It is reported that the current Hungarian government is actively supporting Dodik's campaign to divide BiH, including through 100 million euros in aid that Hungary is providing to the RS ahead of the General Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina," it states.

"Even more disturbing is the published document signed by the Head of the EU Delegation to BiH, Johann Sattler, which states that Oliver Varhelyi is openly coordinating with Milorad Dodik on the breakup of BiH. Reports show that Commissioner Varhelyi agreed with Dodik on the date of the special session of the National Assembly of the RS and on a six-month moratorium on laws that include unilateral withdrawal from state institutions," the parliamentarians' letter highlights.

At the end of the letter, the parliamentarians emphasize that the European Commissioner cannot act contrary to the official policy of the European Union towards the Western Balkans.

"If the impartiality and neutrality of the Commission are called into question, the geopolitical balance is automatically endangered. In this context, we ask you whether the Commission considers Commissioner Varhelyi's work to be in line with the official EU policy towards BiH? Can we expect an internal inspection to assess whether his activities are in line with his role as Commissioner for EU Enlargement? What is the Commission's position on BiH's territorial integrity and how does the Commission plan to ensure that the conclusions of the Dayton Peace Agreement are not violated?" the letter concludes, signed by 30 members of the European Parliament.