EU calls on Bosnian Serb leader to ‘refrain from provocative actions’

ISTANBUL

The European Union on Thursday urged Milorad Dodik, president of Republika Srpska (RS), one of two entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to “refrain from provocative, divisive rhetoric and actions that question the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.”

The bloc’s External Action Service issued a statement following the approval of decisions by the RS National Assembly (NSRS) that are contrary to the country’s constitution.

The service said the legal regulations passed by NSRS on Feb. 27 and signed by Dodik the previous day weaken Bosnia and Herzegovina's constitutional and legal order, undermine the functioning of institutions and threaten the fundamental freedoms of citizens.

“Republika Srpska, as other entities, must comply with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the country’s laws, and respect the competences and decisions of the country’s institutions, including the Constitutional Court, High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, Court, Prosecutors’ Office as well as the State Investigation and Protection Agency. All domestic legal remedies should be used to uphold the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” it added.

It also called for an end to political pressure on public officials to leave state level institutions.

“The EU emphasizes that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina must be respected,” it said.

Recalling that the European Council decided to begin EU membership negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 2024, the EU called on all political actors to focus on the country's progress on the EU path and to take all necessary steps with determination.

“Progress on the EU path is the best guarantee of stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has multiple benefits for the country’s citizens,” it added.