The European Parliament (EP) has adopted a progress report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), condemning the separatist policies of Republika Srpska and its President Milorad Dodik.

The EP reiterated its strong support for the country's EU membership bid. At the same time, it stressed that the accession process must be based on merit, in line with the Copenhagen criteria and be anchored on the principles of unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state.

The report was adopted by 459 votes to 130, with 63 abstentions.

“Welcoming the European Council’s decision to open negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the context of a changing geopolitical landscape following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, MEPs acknowledge the key reforms undertaken, but express serious concerns about the slow progress and weak implementation of reforms,” the document says.

The report calls for the necessary constitutional and electoral reforms, as well as for strengthening democratic institutions, strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption and organised crime.

MEPs strongly condemned “divisive rhetoric and separatist policies, in particular those promoted by the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, and the entity leadership”. They called on the European Union to take decisive action, including targeted sanctions, against destabilising forces that threaten the stability of the country and security in Europe.

The report also expresses concern about “malign foreign influence and disinformation campaigns by external actors, notably Russia and China, which are undermining public trust in the EU.”

“The future of the Balkans lies in Europe, not under Russian influence. Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the most difficult situation on the continent after Ukraine, and we must find a way to help it achieve full integration into Western structures,” said Ondřej Kolař, the European Parliament rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to him, daily events in the country show the need to strive for peace, stability and development. If this is ignored, he warned, “there is a risk of new war and destruction.” | BGNES