On Tuesday 8 March MEPs called on the European Union to take a tougher line against the leaders of Republika Srpska for their separatist tendencies and their ties to Russia.
“The Dayton Agreement is in jeopardy, a victim of secessionist rhetoric and foreign interference. The peace, stability and integrity of the country are at stake”, stressed Paulo Rangel (Portugal) for the EPP.
Several MEPs called on the EU to adopt sanctions against the leaders of Republika Srpska, including Mirolad Dodik. “We must sanction Dodik and his forces to defend the integrity of the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, argued Dietmar Köster (S&D, Germany), who also denounced the fact that Mr Dodik is using the war in Ukraine to advance his pro-Russia policies. “For those who still have nationalist fantasies, sanctions are needed to discourage them from destabilising the country”, pleaded Klemen Grošelj (Renew Europe, Slovenia), recalling that a return to the past was not possible. Tineke Strik (Greens/EFA, The Netherlands) also called for economic sanctions.
“The European Commission must limit access to EU funds”, added Rangel. During the debate, Commissioner for Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi explained that the Commission was ready to sign projects with Bosnia worth €600 million under the investment plan (see EUROPE 12899/18), but on the condition that the State institutions were functioning again.
Several MEPs also called on the EU to provide more support to Bosnian civil society.
While Bosnia and Herzegovina has been asked to make further reforms in order to obtain EU candidate status, Mr Grošelj said the country should be considered for EU membership.
Finally, MEPs called on the country to make the necessary constitutional and electoral reforms, which are also conditions to make progress towards the EU. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)