High Rep: BiH can start EU accession talks once a new coalition is formed

“There is no need to pay attention to anyone’s threats, but rather to focus on the future. A good opportunity has presented itself for BiH. If a new coalition is formed with the goal of bringing the country closer to Europe, accession negotiations with the EU can begin,” Schmidt stated.
He noted that it will be a long process, but that it is important to let the citizens of BiH know that they are part of Europe and that their future lies there.

“We are grateful to the Chairwoman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Borjana Kristo, for her work, and we hope that representatives of all three peoples – Serbs, Bosniaks, and Croats – will remain united. Much work still lies ahead of us, as it became clear during meetings with leaders of EU member states that they are determined to offer support, to varying degrees, but also to show where the limits are. The actions of some from Banja Luka are absolutely unacceptable,” he told HRT.

These statements are a clear message to Dragan Covic, the leader of HDZ BiH, who loudly advocates for BiH’s European path while at the same time backing Milorad Dodik, the President of BiH's Republika Srpska (RS) entity and leader of the SNSD, who clearly displays anti-European positions and takes corresponding actions. Accordingly, Covic must decide which side he will ultimately choose.

The strength of the Dodik–Covic relationship is evident in the blockage of the EU path, as key steps have yet to be taken due to the ongoing crisis and complex political situation – including the appointment of a chief negotiator and the adoption of necessary documents and laws, something that EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos recently warned about.

Additionally, Kristo, who is from HDZ BiH and whom Schmidt mentioned, has refused to appoint a new Minister of Security to replace Nenad Nesic, who is currently in custody. The Trojka parties, which are calling for an end to the coalition with the SNSD, want Nebojsa Vukanovic – an opposition nominee from Republika Srpska – to take over the post, and his appointment would help unblock political processes at the state level.

However, forming a new coalition at the national level is currently not possible because HDZ BiH refuses to part ways with the SNSD.