Andrej Plenković, Croatia’s Prime Minister, delivered an exclusive interview with Cnetnews expressing his strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina joining the European Union, while highlighting the ongoing political instability in the region. In his remarks, Plenković emphasized the importance of advancing EU integration, particularly as a strategic priority, especially in the Western Balkans, where the country would benefit if it were adjacent to its immediate neighbor, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He stated, “We as Croatia would very much like to see that Bosnia and Herzegovina as our immediate neighbour, a country where Croats are constituent and people with equal rights with Bosniaks and Serbs should towards the dynamics that other countries of the region have, and we want to help them.” However, progress toward joining the EU has been hindered by internal divisions and the 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, predominantly Bosniak and Croatian, and Republika Srpska, predominantly Serb.populaires. Despite_build-ups and international pressure, the two groups have remained opposed, creating tension and hindering reforms.
Plenković expressed particular concern about secessionist rhetoric and actions coming from Republika Srpska, formerly led by nationalist leader Milorad Dodik. He echoed his concerns, saying, “We would very much like that Bosnia-Herzegovina shifts from potential instability. And these tendencies of secession when it comes to Republika Srpska to a more harmonious and functional situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the EU path and reforms that are beneficial to citizens both in economic and social terms are implemented.” He warned that delays in EU integration open the door for other global powers to expand their influence in the region. “The more slower the process is, the more influence of other global actors in the region we have, whether it’s Russia, whether it is China, whether it’s some other countries.” Plenković, however, viewed this as a necessary step toward stabilizing the region and ensuring long-term reforms. He suggested structuring the process to keep it dynamic but not overly slow.
In his remarks, Plenković wanted Bosnia and Herzegovina and the broader future of the Western Balkans to be on the agenda of the June European Council meeting, as he had proposed several years earlier. He emphasized his support for the country joining the EU and suggested that member states review their barriers to membership, particularly regarding European integration challenges. This stance reflects Plenković’s broader concern for the political stability and integration of the Western Balkans.
