The Serb member of the BiH Presidency, Željka Cvijanović, stated to RTRS that Republika Srpska’s strategic goal within Bosnia and Herzegovina is progressing towards the European Union.
Cvijanović emphasized that the EU must respect the existing constitutional structure of BiH, warning that any aspirations for a centralized state are a waste of time. She stressed that Republika Srpska seeks recognition of its constitutional role on the European path.
She also highlighted that a package of swift solutions could accelerate the path to EU membership.
“Quick solutions involve accepting progress on the growth plan and reform agenda as a basis, then initiating negotiations and structuring leadership for the process. It’s about working systematically without delays, addressing issues step by step, and resolving unclear points along the way. There’s no time to waste,” Cvijanović explained.
Institutional sovereignty undermined
Cvijanović pointed out that the European path for BiH is incompatible with the presence of a disruptive factor—an unelected foreign individual usurping the rights of democratically elected institutions.
“This undermines BiH’s sovereignty, preventing self-governance and hindering institutions from fulfilling their constitutional and legal roles,” Cvijanović said.
She criticized the role of the high representative, stating that it contradicts both democracy and international law. “No provision in the Dayton Agreement grants the high representative such authority,” she added.
EU’s double standards
Cvijanović underscored that she consistently reminds EU representatives that BiH should make sovereign decisions within its democratically elected institutions.
“The EU’s tolerance of this situation is shameful. It contradicts European principles and values, yet they endure it because they lack the strength to resist those imposing this concept on BiH,” Cvijanović remarked.
She called out the EU for tolerating violations of its principles, describing it as an embarrassment for the Union, but not for BiH. “We didn’t choose this; it was imposed on us,” she stated.
Dispute over property
Addressing the property issue, Cvijanović asserted that the notion of “state property” is a fabrication intended to justify expropriation. She reminded that the Dayton Agreement clearly defined property rights based on territorial-functional principles.
She noted that earlier disputes were limited to military locations, acknowledging Republika Srpska’s ownership by seeking re-registration. “Suddenly, their ambitions grew, and they demanded control over all property at the state level, which is now being used to intimidate investors in Srpska,” she said.
Dialogue as the way forward
Cvijanović concluded by advocating for resolving issues in BiH through dialogue rather than force. She highlighted the ongoing security challenges in BiH, which, according to her, Bosniak politicians refuse to address.
Source: RTRS
