Dodik: EU integration is still a goal, but Brussels is not showing flexibility

"EU membership has long been our stated goal, but Brussels is not showing flexibility. The Growth Plan is an interesting idea, but it was blocked by four cantons in the Federation of BiH. They had no problem blaming us again. Europe is not what it once was, but it is still important to us," he said.

Speaking about infrastructure, Dodik pointed out that those coming from Belgrade could notice "a completely modernized main road, especially the one from Pale to Jahorina."

He also mentioned the proximity of Sarajevo International Airport, thereby—consciously or not—acknowledging the importance of intercity connectivity and economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite having previously often stated that the Federation entity is, for him, a foreign country.

"You can also notice the new section from Jahorina to Lukavica, through which we have brought this mountain gem closer to the airport in Sarajevo. Nowhere in Europe do you have a ski resort this close to an airport as you do here. In about 20 minutes, you're from the airport to here," Dodik said.

He also spoke about the recent visit of the British foreign minister, stating:

"He had one goal, and that was to burden BiH with part of the consequences of migration. They are asking BiH to take in the part of the migrant population that went West, didn’t get papers—or did but committed some offense—and now they’ve decided to expel them somewhere else. That’s exactly what they’re asking BiH to do.

They asked not only that these migrants be stationed here, but also that public markets be made accessible to them, that their children be given education, and later even participation in politics.

We will stay out of that process, even if it means halting the EU path. Even 7,000 migrants around Banja Luka would change our way of life and the stability of the city. Crime would increase, just like in Europe. We do not want to be consumers of your failed policies," Dodik said.