EU urges respect for Bosnia’s constitutional order amid Dodik dismissal

In a response to N1's questions on Thursday, the EU emphasised that early presidential elections in Republika Srpska must now take place in accordance with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Election Law.

“The EU calls on all relevant institutions and political parties to facilitate the orderly and swift conduct of the Republika Srpska Presidential elections,” the European Commission said.

The EU also reiterated its firm support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order, and international personality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, warning that “any action against these principles will lead to serious consequences.”

This comes amid sharp criticism from Republika Srpska authorities, who have rejected the CEC’s decision and vowed not to recognise Dodik’s dismissal, raising tensions in an already politically volatile environment.

When asked about Milorad Dodik’s visit to Hungary, where he met with senior government officials despite the ruling in Bosnia, the European Commission declined to comment.

In response to whether the EU can take further steps in light of Republika Srpska’s rejection of state-level judicial and electoral authority, the Commission noted that “since 2011, the EU has a sanctions framework in place that enables it to impose restrictive measures against persons who seriously threaten the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and undermine the Dayton peace agreements.”

However, the Commission stressed that any decision to apply sanctions is in the hands of EU Member States.

“The EU follows the situation in Republika Srpska very closely and continues to encourage all leaders to resolve the situation through dialogue, to allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to turn towards a constructive agenda, in line with its EU perspective,” the statement concluded.

Tensions have escalated recently following the conviction of Milorad Dodik, a key political figure in the RS, for undermining decisions of the international community’s High Representative. The CEC’s subsequent decision to strip him of his mandate has been met with defiance by RS institutions.