In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković voiced strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to the European Union, while also expressing concern over ongoing political instability in the region.
Plenković emphasized that EU enlargement should be a strategic priority, particularly when it comes to the Western Balkans. Highlighting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s importance, he said: “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.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina has long aspired 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 (largely Bosniak and Croat) and Republika Srpska (predominantly Serb). Tensions between these groups continue to undermine reform efforts and threaten national cohesion.
Plenković expressed particular concern about secessionist rhetoric and actions coming from Republika Srpska, formerly led by nationalist leader Milorad Dodik.
“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 which 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 is some other countries. And therefore we are advocating a structured and dynamic process.”
Plenković wants the issue of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU membership—and the broader future of the Western Balkans—to be on the agenda of the June European Council meeting.
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