The President of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska (RS) entity, Milorad Dodik, announced that RS and the Federation of BiH (FBiH) representatives had finalized the Growth Plan in collaboration with the European Union. However, he accused three Democratic Action Party (SDA) led cantons in FBiH of obstructing the agreement.

Speaking in Banja Luka, Dodik claimed the cantons disrupted the plan through the European Affairs mechanism, stating, “We have already reached an agreement. The blockage is now in the cantons, and it’s up to them to resolve it.”

Dodik emphasized that RS stands firm on the agreed terms, which align with Brussels on all 113 points of the plan. “We won’t renegotiate just to appease certain cantons. The issue is internal to FBiH politics, not ours.” he added.

The RS leader criticized US Ambassador Michael Murphy, accusing him of shifting blame to RS. He reiterated that RS fully supports the Growth Plan, urging FBiH cantons to resolve their internal disagreements.

Dodik also accused US Embassy representatives of pressuring banks in RS to close accounts tied to individuals and companies under US sanctions. He stated, “With Trump's return, I believe this version of ‘America’ will also change.”

Touching on the controversy surrounding the purchase of the BiH Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA) building in Banja Luka, Dodik dismissed opposition criticisms as baseless. He clarified that the central ITA facility was part of an earlier agreement, emphasizing the need for upgraded premises to accommodate RS employees in BiH institutions.

“While centers in Mostar and Sarajevo were built without objection, the same logic applies to Banja Luka. The current premises are insufficient and require reconstruction,” Dodik concluded.