In an exclusive interview with EuronewsPrime Minister Croatian, Andrej Plenković, expressed strong support for the adhesion of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union, while expressing concern about current political instability in the region.
Plenković stressed that block expansion should be a strategic priority, especially with respect to Western Balcans. Highlighting the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he said: “Croatia looked a lot like Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as our immediate neighbor, a country where there are Croats and people with equal rights over those of Bosnians and Serbs, had the same dynamic as other countries in the region and we want to help them.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina have been asking for a long time to join the European Union. But progress has been hindered by deep internal divisions and a complex political structure created by the 1995 Dayton Agreement, which ended the Bosnian war. The country is divided into two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (mostly Bosnia and Croatian) and the Serbian Republic (predominantly Serbian). Tensions between these groups continue to undermine reform efforts and threaten national cohesion.
Plenković is particularly concerned with the rhetorical and secessionist actions of the Republic of Serbia, previously directed by the nationalist leader Milorad Dodik.
“We would like Bosnia and Herzegovina very much to get away from potential instability and these secession trends with respect to the Republic of Serbia, to a more harmonious and functional situation, where the path of the European Union and the reforms are implemented, which are beneficial for citizens, both economically and socially.”
The prime minister also warned that delays in integration into the European Union open the door to which other world powers expand their influence in the region.
“The slower the process is, the greater the influence of other global actors in the region, either Russia, China or other countries. Therefore, we defend a structured and dynamic process.”
Plenković wants the issue of the adhesion of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union, and the future of Western Balcans, is on the agenda of the June European Council meeting.
