In a bold move on Wednesday, lawmakers from Bosnia’s Serb Republic regional parliament ordered Serb representatives in state institutions to block critical reforms and decisions essential for Bosnia’s progress toward European Union membership. The decision came after an emergency session convened on Tuesday to address what they described as a “degradation of the legal system” linked to the ongoing trial of Milorad Dodik, the region’s separatist president.
Dodik, a leader advocating for Serb independence, faces trial for ignoring the rulings of the international High Representative, an official tasked with maintaining peace in Bosnia under the 1995 Dayton Accords, which ended the Bosnian War. The Serb MPs argue that the trial is politically motivated, citing “illegal decisions” made by current envoy Christian Schmidt and the state court, which they contend are unconstitutional as they were imposed by the peace envoy rather than stemming from the Dayton Agreement itself.
While Dodik has long pushed for his Serb-majority region to break away from Bosnia, he suspended his efforts when the war in Ukraine escalated. Bosnia’s political structure, created by the Dayton treaty, is divided into two autonomous entities: the Serb Republic and a Federation dominated by Croats and Bosniaks, all connected by a fragile central government. This arrangement ensured peace but left the country politically paralyzed.
Despite years of resistance to EU integration, Bosnia received a significant boost last year when European Union leaders agreed to begin membership negotiations, contingent on the country meeting required criteria. However, this latest move by Serb lawmakers highlights the ongoing political turbulence that continues to delay Bosnia’s progress toward full integration into Europe.
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