Austria and Germany to ban entry to Republika Srpska politicians

"Attacks on Bosnia and Herzegovina's constitutional integrity by leading RS politicians, who deliberately weaken the state, are unacceptable and pose a threat to the security and stability of Bosnia and the entire region. These actions also obstruct the EU accession process and endanger the country's future in the EU," stated Meinl-Reisinger and Lührmann.

In response, Austria and Germany, in close coordination with other partners, are implementing measures to ban three RS politicians from entering their countries. Both ministers called on all stakeholders in Bosnia to contribute to de-escalation and stability, urging the removal of obstacles to EU accession and the resumption of reforms.
"Milorad Dodik's secessionist provocations have crossed legal red lines, jeopardizing security, stability, and the constitutional order of this Western Balkan country. Such behavior will no longer be tolerated," Meinl-Reisinger declared. She reaffirmed Austria and Germany's commitment to supporting Bosnia’s EU aspirations and its citizens, particularly those in Republika Srpska, emphasizing that their European future should not depend on a few politicians.

Dr. Lührmann added, "This has gone too far! Those responsible for attacks on Bosnia's constitutional order threaten peace, regional security, and the country's EU future. Our measures are directed precisely at these individuals. Bosnia belongs in the EU, and Germany will continue to stand by Bosnia in this journey."

The political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina escalated after the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina handed down a first-instance verdict in late February, sentencing Dodik to one year in prison and barring him from holding the office of RS President for six years. The charges stem from his “disregard for the decisions of the High Representative in BiH”.

The Bosnian State Prosecutor’s Office subsequently issued a detention warrant for Dodik, along with RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic and Nenad Stevandic, the speaker of the RS National Assembly.

The three officials are under investigation for the criminal offence of “undermining the constitutional order” following the RS National Assembly’s adoption of laws—signed by Dodik—prohibiting the operations of state-level judicial and security institutions within the entity.