Covic links US strategic dialogue to key infrastructure and electoral reform

Central to his platform is a interconnected approach to three major issues: the Southern Gas Interconnection, the reform of the Electoral Law, and the resolution of state property disputes. Covic argues that the "seriousness of the moment" demands a synchronized effort to improve the country's investment climate, particularly under the administration of incumbent US President Donald Trump.

Strategic infrastructure and energy security

A major pillar of Covic’s economic vision is the Southern Gas Interconnection. This project aims to diversify Bosnia and Herzegovina’s energy supply by connecting to the LNG terminal in Croatia, reducing reliance on Russian imports.

• The Project Design: Covic clarified that the pipeline is envisioned as an above-ground installation, unlike typical underground models in Croatia, making it highly sensitive to spatial planning.
• Coordination: He called for urgent joint action at the Federation (FBiH) level to finalize the Spatial Plan, which is essential for navigating geographical obstacles like rivers and existing transport routes.

Beyond energy, the HDZ BiH leader highlighted the Adriatic-Ionian Highway project. He revealed that US construction giant Bechtel has already informed local leaders of progress in Montenegro. To ensure the corridor's success in BiH, Covic stressed that the route, running from Pocitelj through Stolac, Ljubinje, and Trebinje toward the Montenegrin border, must be integrated into the spatial plans of all involved local communities.

Political reform and "state property"

Linking infrastructure to politics, Covic reiterated that the resolution of the Electoral Law and state property issues are fundamental to unlocking these massive investments. He recently called for the withdrawal of the High Representative’s imposed laws on state property, arguing that these restrictions currently block roughly 29.34 billion KM (approximately € 15 billion) in potential investments.

"We must sit down at the FBiH level, along with local community representatives, to resolve these bottlenecks," Covic stated. He believes that aligning BiH’s legal framework with international standards will secure the "legitimate representation" of constituent peoples while protecting the interests of both local and American investors.