Mehmedović: Bosnia and Herzegovina must be a functional, responsible and secure state

(Patria) - Bosnia and Herzegovina is at an important geopolitical crossroads of the Balkans and Europe, facing numerous challenges but also great opportunities that it can seize with a clear and responsible state policy, said Šemsudin Mehmedović, a member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at a session of Krug 99.

“The way our country positions itself in international relations and how capable it is to ensure its own security determines whether we will live in a stable and prosperous society or in a country of constant crisis and insecurity,” said Mehmedović.

Speaking about the internal situation, Mehmedović emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is burdened by deep political divisions, blockades and secessionist threats coming from the RS entity, as well as dysfunctional institutions that have, as he said, “become hostages of destructive policies.”

“Corruption and organized crime are further eroding citizens' trust in the state,” he warned.

As a positive example, Mehmedović singled out the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which, according to him, “have shown that joint work can yield results.”

“They are an example of a professional, multi-ethnic and efficient institution that inspires trust and shows that cooperation builds security,” Mehmedović emphasized.

When it comes to foreign policy, Mehmedović stressed that membership in the NATO alliance and the European Union are strategic goals of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Joining NATO must be the priority of all priorities. The security that this umbrella offers is needed by all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of ethnic or political affiliation,” said Mehmedović.

“It is the only guarantee that all future decisions in our country will be made peacefully, democratically and in a spirit of stability,” he added.

MP Mehmedović also warned of the destructive role of neighboring countries, as well as the presence of Russian influence in the region.

“Serbia and Croatia continue to support policies directed against the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Russia seeks to destabilize the region. The international community must act more concretely, but the key to responsibility lies with us ourselves,” he said.

He particularly emphasized the importance of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Council of Ministers, stressing that these institutions must be bearers of state policy, not places of political conflict.

“The Presidency must be the engine of foreign policy — a unified and dignified voice of our state. The Council of Ministers must become a true executive body that implements state decisions, not a platform for inter-party conflicts,” said Mehmedović.

Mehmedović said that Bosnia and Herzegovina can be an internationally recognized, stable and secure state only if it develops functional institutions, professional staff and responsible political leadership.

“Entities and cantons can provide citizens with salaries and social benefits, but only state institutions can guarantee that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains an internationally recognized and secure state,” he said and added: “It is time to show maximum commitment and take responsibility for the future of our country.”

At the end of his address, Mehmedović called for a moral renewal of society, a patriotic attitude towards the state, responsible public discourse and legally defined stability in all areas — from the economy to foreign policy.

“Only in this way can we ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a secure, stable and internationally relevant state,” concluded Mehmedović.

Watch the introductory part of the session on the topic "What are the obstacles to the prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and how to get out of the crisis?" below: