US Ambassador to Sarajevo Michael Murphy said the United States strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina's integration with the EU and believes that some form of international presence in the country is still necessary.

He also strongly criticised Milorad Dodik and Dragan Covic, accusing Covic of advancing Russia's interests.

Speaking on the podcast of Sarajevo's “Oslobodjenje” daily, Murphy highlighted Bosnia and Herzegovina's significant advancements since the 2022 elections, emphasising compelling geopolitical reasons for the EU to initiate negotiations with the country.

Murphy's remarks preceded confirmation by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, that she would recommend that the European Council commence negotiations with BiH.

The US ambassador recalled that the United States cannot make decisions on this matter but that it strongly supports the opening of accession negotiations.

He criticised politicians such as Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, who claims that a decision on the launching of negotiations without a specific date is meaningless because the whole process could be delayed again.

That is not so. It is very important if the talks are launched, to send a clear signal to BiH citizens that their future lies with Brussels, not Moscow.

Additionally, Murphy dismissed Dodik's claims that BiH's European path is incompatible with the presence of the international community's High Representative (OHR) with the authority to enforce laws and replace elected officials.

According to the United States, the High Representative should remain in BiH until the goals set in 2008, as outlined by the Peace Implementation Council, are achieved. One condition for closing the OHR is full compliance with the Dayton Agreement.

Murphy credited High Representative Christian Schmidt for BiH's progress on the European path, asserting that Schmidt's presence was instrumental, possibly ensuring the 2022 elections took place.

Regarding energy security, Murphy reiterated the West's interest in the Southern Interconnection project, criticising Covic for obstructing it. He advocated for the project to be managed by the existing company “BH-Gas,” arguing against Covic's proposal for a new company, to be headquartered in Herzegovina, to be in charge of the project.

Accusing Covic of prioritising personal and party interests over those of the people he claims to represent, Murphy said that Covic's actions bolster Russian influence.

Murphy concluded by affirming the United States’ commitment to advocating for the energy security of BiH, urging Covic to choose between serving the people or advancing Russian interests.