European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi warned Bosnia and Hercegovina that EU allies do not visit Russia.
Through this declaration, the EU expresses once again its disappointment after Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik visited Russia last year.
“Our allies do not go to Russia; this is my message. Whoever wishes to be our ally, cannot go to Russia,” answered Várhelyi after being questioned by journalists on the matter.
Bosnia, which has applied for EU membership in 2016, got the status of a candidate state last December, after concerns that the war in Ukraine could destabilize the Balkan region. However, the state has to fulfill a long list of conditions, which aim to strengthen democracy before it becomes part of the EU.
“We need Bosnia and Hercegovina to be our ally,” said Várhelyi during the press conference he held in Sarajevo, after participating in a high-level political forum, where officials discussed further steps that Bosnia should take to join the EU.
The forum was organized by the European Commission and aimed to monitor the implementation of recommendations and report the country’s progress in its European path.
Várhelyi added that it is important to send a clear message from Bosnia, so that the country can have a clear and joint stance.
He also praised the progress made “in record time” for the formation of the Government and the approval of the budgets, after the general elections that were held in October last year.
He also encouraged politicians to make the reforms they agreed upon when receiving the status of a candidate state.
However, Dodik’s declarations and his trip to Russia where he also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlight the lack of unity in Bosnia’s foreign policy.
Dodik has been criticized by the European bloc, after awarding Putin with the highest honor of the Republika Srpska entity. The decision sparked reactions and warnings that Bosnia should be more careful regarding the rule of law, as it aspires to join the European Union.
Dodik has opposed sanctions against Russia for the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and also opposes the recognition of Kosovo’s independence.
Russia and Serbia have quietly supported Dodik’s actions.
