Dodik: The EU has alternatives, and more will emerge

President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik stated in an interview with RTRS that the European Union has alternatives, that more will emerge in the future, and that the question remains what the EU will eventually become.

Dodik emphasized that Republika Srpska should always have an alternative, although the West dislikes hearing that and consistently claims the EU has no alternative.

“They can say whatever they want and get angry, but we should be the ones upset with them. If they hadn’t occupied us and exerted pressure, Republika Srpska would be much more developed today. Still, we managed to build a sustainable economy,” said the president of Republika Srpska during his interview from Saint Petersburg.

Dodik noted that despite the Western narrative, cooperation with the West should continue and doors should remain open, even though much harm has been done.

“We forget too quickly. For centuries, we’ve been told we’re incapable, while they constantly block us, meddle in our affairs, and make decisions on our behalf,” said Dodik.

He added that during the pandemic, the EU was the first to ban the export of medical supplies, which prompted Republika Srpska to turn to China and Russia to secure the necessary materials.

“When they met all their own needs, they suddenly became ‘humanitarians,’” Dodik remarked.

He stated that today, Republika Srpska is a strategic partner for Russia, which opens many business opportunities.

“Moscow is not as far as some people claim. An alternative market for many of our products can be found here. The current situation is complex due to sanctions, but we believe that, in the time ahead—as they say here in Russia—they will not forget our friendship,” Dodik emphasized.

The president also pointed out that European and American sanctions have actually helped Russia develop its own capacities.

“Russia is now the fifth-largest agricultural economy, and it has accomplished this on its own. Without American and European sanctions, Russia’s entire economy would have collapsed in five years, since they imported nearly everything. The sanctions helped. Russia has built a self-sufficient economy. Today, over 95 percent of the products they need are domestically produced,” Dodik explained.

Source: RTRS