Political leaders sign peace and progress platform, pledge to unblock Bosnia’s EU path

In a rare show of cross-entity cooperation, representatives of the Federation’s “Troika” coalition and opposition parties from Republika Srpska—SDS, PDP, and the List for Justice and Order—signed a “Platform for Peace, Stabilisation, European Future, and Economic Progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina.” The document lays out a common framework for joint action within state-level institutions, aiming to overcome the political deadlock and restore public trust.

Speaking after the signing, Federation (FBiH) entity Prime Minister and SDP leader Nermin Niksic praised the courage and commitment of RS-based signatories for backing key EU-oriented laws, calling it a message that they “rose above daily political skirmishes” for the good of all citizens. He emphasised that the platform was the product of collaboration among parliamentarians from both entities, giving it “special weight and appeal.”

NiP leader Elmedin Konakovic underlined the scale of the alliance, noting that the signatories represent nearly 550,000 voters. “This is the strongest political bloc in the country, united around a concrete document to offer a better, safer life,” he said, adding that Bosnia and Herzegovina stands at a crossroads: “One path leads to conflict and stagnation, the other—represented here today—leads to progress and negotiations with the EU as early as June.” He urged all parties, especially the HDZ, not to obstruct the process over the issue of electoral reform.

SDS leader Milan Milicevic expressed optimism about the platform’s potential to draw more supporters and end political paralysis. “It’s time to rebuild trust and step out of crisis,” he said. While acknowledging persistent obstructionism in Bosnian politics, he argued that rational actors can set aside divisive issues for now and focus on urgent reforms such as anti-corruption measures, electoral transparency, and economic development.

Echoing that sentiment, PDP delegate Nenad Vukovic rejected claims that the platform undermines Republika Srpska. “Our interest is in functional state institutions,” he said, asserting that respect for the Dayton Agreement remains central. He challenged EU sceptics, asking, “What is the alternative?” and called for swift adoption of the remaining EU-aligned laws and the appointment of negotiation teams so Bosnia can finally be granted a start date for EU accession talks.