No reshuffle in sight for Council of Ministers, says Dragan Covic

Speaking after an HNS BiH Presidency session in Mostar, Covic stressed that although some partners were given a chance to move forward with a new political arrangement, the effort quickly stalled due to excessive political manoeuvring.

“We had agreed on a practical framework to protect the country’s Euro-Atlantic path and ensure equality among the three constituent peoples. That included at least amending the Election Law to regulate how the Croat member of the Presidency is elected, and to do all of this in a stable and peaceful atmosphere,” Ccvic said.

However, he added that the initiative quickly ran into obstacles. “I don’t believe anything can be done in terms of reconstruction, at least not within the constitutional framework. All other options are off the table,” he emphasised.

Covic also criticised a proposed law that would change the procedures for appointing ministers in the Council of Ministers without the consent of the Chair, calling it unconstitutional and unacceptable. “This draft law seeks to alter Bosnia and Herzegovina’s decision-making structure in a way that is incompatible with the Constitution. It cannot and will not pass,” he stated.

Addressing the two key EU-related laws: on the Court of BiH and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC), Covic said that clarity is expected by Monday on whether there is enough political consensus for their adoption ahead of the June 26 parliamentary session.

He confirmed ongoing discussions with EU representatives and party leaders in Banja Luka and Sarajevo, aiming to secure support for the two laws in both the House of Peoples and the House of Representatives.

“The opposition in Republika Srpska, despite professing a pro-European stance, blocked the Court law simply because HDZ was the sponsor. When the ‘Trojka’ coalition proposed a revised version, it was again rejected by the same parties,” Covic explained.

He expressed hope that Bosnia and Herzegovina would manage to pass at least these two laws before the upcoming EU summit in Skopje, which could result in a positive signal for the country’s European path. Otherwise, he warned, BiH risks continued stagnation.

Covic concluded by stressing that the Euro-Atlantic path remains Bosnia and Herzegovina’s only viable strategic direction. After the session, he held a working lunch with High Representative Christian Schmidt.