A group of 28 Members of the European Parliament has sent a letter to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, urging the immediate imposition of sanctions against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik. The letter was initiated by MEPs Tineke Strik (Greens/EFA), Thijs Reuten (S&D), and Irena Joveva (Renew Europe), and was endorsed by parliamentarians from ten EU member states and five political groups (EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, and The Left).

The letter, sent on March 18, states that Dodik poses a serious threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to EU security, due to his increasingly secessionist moves and close ties with the Kremlin. The MEPs argue that diplomatic attempts to deter Dodik from his current policies have failed and that sanctions are necessary to prevent further destabilization.

Accusations of Undermining State Institutions

The European Parliament members point out that Dodik has recently taken steps toward the illegal secession of Republika Srpska, particularly following his conviction by the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on February 26. They claim his actions are aligned with Moscow’s interests, further jeopardizing regional stability.

“It is no secret that Milorad Dodik is one of Vladimir Putin’s last allies in Europe, aligning each of his moves with the Kremlin. In 2024 alone, Dodik and Putin have met in person three times, and on March 7, the Russian Federation publicly expressed solidarity with Dodik regarding the current political developments,” the letter states.

Additionally, the MEPs stress that Dodik’s policies systematically obstruct Bosnia’s European integration process by blocking decision-making at the state level and undermining key institutions necessary for the country’s EU path.

Call for Sanctions and Strengthening of EUFOR

The parliamentarians urged Kallas to impose sanctions against Dodik and his allies in accordance with the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/955 of March 25, 2024, which allows for punitive measures against individuals threatening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order, and international standing.

“There is no doubt that the conditions outlined in Article 2 of this decision have been met, and it is clear that diplomatic efforts have been exhausted. It is time to use other tools to prevent threats to peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” the MEPs state.

The letter also suggests that the EU should act even if certain member states oppose sanctions, proposing the formation of a “coalition of willing member states” to unilaterally impose sanctions on Dodik.

“Sanctions at the level of EU member states could seriously weaken the financial and political capacities of Dodik and his allies, contributing to the stabilization of the situation in Bosnia. It is crucial for the EU to take a unified stance alongside international partners who have already sanctioned Dodik,” the parliamentarians emphasize.

They also highlight the need to strengthen the role of EUFOR in Bosnia, stating that its mission is not only to maintain security but also to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, as outlined in the Dayton Agreement and UN Security Council resolutions.

Tineke Strik: Time for the EU to end its appeasement policy

MEP Tineke Strik, one of the letter’s initiators, stated that it is high time for the EU to abandon its “appeasement policy” towards Dodik and take concrete measures.

“With this letter, we aim to send a crystal-clear message to EU leaders: Dodik is a dangerous criminal who should be sanctioned. The EU needs to wake up and realize that its appeasement politics of the past have failed. Negotiating with Dodik gives him unnecessary legitimacy. If we want Bosnia to advance on its path to democratization and EU membership, sanctions are a necessary first step. This is not only in the interest of Bosnia but also a measure to protect the EU’s own security, given the close alliance between Dodik and Putin,” Strik stated.

The letter from Members of the European Parliament comes amid growing international concerns over increasingly vocal secessionist threats from Banja Luka, which could further deteriorate the political situation in the country and endanger the security of the wider region.