EU’s Security and Defence Subcommittee stayed in Bosnia on 20-23 February, in the context of geopolitical turbulence caused by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, where they underlined that candidate country status is an opportunity and an obligation for the country's elected representatives to fulfil citizens’ expectations and concretely improve the daily life of ordinary people. MEPs also concluded that EUFOR Althea peacekeeping Mission could be more effective in implementing its mandate if it was bigger in size and provided with additional capabilities.
The Subcommittee consisting of Chair Gheorghe-Vlad Nistor (EPP, Romania) and members Leopoldo López Gil (EPP, Spain), Dietmar Köster (S&D, Germany), Thijs Reuten (S&D, Netherlands), Klemen Grošelj (Renew Europe, Slovenia) and Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel (Greens/EFA, Germany), strongly underlined that the road to closer partnership with the EU requires BiH to make tangible progress on the 14 key priorities listed in the Commission’s Opinion as well as to align more closely with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia and to implement the EU’s agreed sanctions efficiently. Members condemned inflammatory, divisive and secessionist rhetoric, which further contribute to the vulnerability of the country.
MEPs learned that Bosnia’s Armed Forces are committed and well-trained professionals, but noted that their commitment to BiH must be underpinned with a budget that reflects the army's needs in terms of salary and capabilities.
Members received positive feedback from BiH authorities on the important role of EUFOR Althea in contributing to a safe and secure environment for the citizens of BiH. MEPs concluded that EUFOR Althea could be more effective in implementing its mandate if it was bigger in size and provided with additional capabilities needed to reassure citizens throughout the country, in particular through the deployment of a credible presence in the Brcko District. They also expressed their gratitude to the men and women serving on behalf of the Union.
In the current geopolitical context and growing malign foreign interference, particularly by Russia as well as China, greater attention is also needed to monitor and address hybrid threats including disinformation and cybersecurity.
“Our timely visit enabled Members of the European Parliament to assess the stable but fragile security situation in a country envisaging full EU membership and which has also been affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In granting candidate status, BiH elected representatives must take up their responsibility and implement the reforms needed for accession. Member states should step up their support to EUFOR Althea to ensure it continues to contribute to a safe and secure environment for the citizens of BiH and throughout the entire country,” Gheorghe-Vlad Nistor said.
During their stay, the Subcommittee delegation met with the country’s top political leadership, including Members of the Tripartite Presidency, Chairwoman Zeljka Cvijanovic and Deputy Chairs Zeljko Komsic and Denis Becirovic as well as prominent members of the state government and the Parliamentary Assembly including the new Collegiums of the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples as well as representatives of the international community such as the High Representative and the US Ambassador.
They also made a field visit to Camp Butmir to meet with the commanders of EUFOR Althea and NATO Headquarters Sarajevo as well as joining a demining exercise conducted by the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
