Petritsch claims Dodik's sanctions were lifted using Republika Srpska taxpayer money

Petritsch believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently in a difficult state, describing it as a "limbo" between the path to Brussels and the danger of returning to the nineties. The Austrian diplomat labeled the European Union’s progress report on the country as the "worst ever written."

Commenting on the recent news from Washington regarding the removal of Milorad Dodik and his family members from the sanctions list, Petritsch emphasized that this does not signify a shift in US policy. Instead, he characterized the move as a "business deal" typical of the current American administration. He warned that the move was costly to the taxpayers of the Republika Srpska, adding that it is not a genuine solution for Bosnia and Herzegovina and that the United States no longer intends to be a key player in the region.

Petritsch did not hide his disappointment that "ethno-materialistic thinking" continues to dominate after three decades of peace. He also referred to the perspective of Richard Holbrooke, the architect of Dayton, who subsequently realized that accepting the name "Republika Srpska" and prioritizing the ethnic over the civic principle were mistakes.

Nevertheless, the former High Representative sees a way out of the crisis in the urgent appointment of an expert chief negotiator with the European Union, citing the example of Albania, which has made tremendous progress in integration. Petritsch stated that politicians are paid for work they are not doing and warned that time is running out, with the number of skeptics growing within the European Union. He expressed particular concern regarding the pressures on free media in the region, especially in Serbia.

Play the video to see the entire interview.