Svoboda: EU softened its approach to BiH due to Ukraine

The European Union has softened its approach to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the crisis in Ukraine is one of the key reasons for this, stated Hannes Svoboda, an Austrian Social Democrat and member of the European Parliament, in an interview with the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

Svoboda emphasizes that the conclusions of the Council of the European Union, adopted at the beginning of the week, are a clear signal that Brussels is looking for a way to bring BiH closer to membership.

- That is how I understand the conclusions, and I am glad about it. They said, okay, let's talk and continue the process, and there is time to fulfill the remaining conditions regarding the implementation of the European Court of Human Rights decision. I sincerely hope that this will unblock BiH's progress, but I cannot say I am sure, there are still different opinions on both sides – says Svoboda.

However, as he says, after the European Union became aware of the problems in its neighborhood, especially Ukraine, it was realized that it was time to embrace the Western Balkan countries more strongly.

Answering the question of whether separatist forces in BiH could try to exploit the annexation of Crimea and Russia's aggressive stance, Svoboda says he does not believe it is possible as long as Belgrade maintains its current positions and wants to progress towards the European Union.

- The situation in Ukraine definitely affects these processes, and now the intention is to open a genuine negotiation process with all Balkan countries. We do not need new chaos and crises in the Balkans as well. That is why we support Serbia's stance towards Republika Srpska to preserve the unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We don't need to constantly react to some problematic statements by Milorad Dodik – Svoboda tells NAP.

According to him, the EU will now have a more constructive and sincere relationship with the Balkans, and he expects Serbia to play a key role in the region's stability.

- Crimea was annexed by Russia, but it is not recognized, so what would RS gain by declaring independence, who would recognize it? What if Russia recognizes them? Belgrade would not jeopardize its position because of Dodik, and the citizens in that entity would remain completely isolated. It would be a catastrophe for them. Serbia would not accept them either, and Vučić told me that when we spoke recently in Belgrade – adds Svoboda for NAP.