A coalition of 28 members of the European Parliament reached out to the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kalas, on March 18, urging the immediate imposition of sanctions against Milorad Dodik, the President of Republika Srpska.

The correspondence highlights that Dodik is a significant threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and thereby to the security of the European Union, due to what they describe as his increasingly evident secessionist actions and strong connections to the Kremlin.

The parliamentarians argue that diplomatic measures aimed at deterring Dodik from his current stance have been ineffective, and that sanctions are essential to avert further destabilization.

This initiative was led by MEPs Tineke Strik, Tijs Rojten, and Irena Joveva, and garnered support from lawmakers across ten EU member states and five political factions.

“Together with my colleagues, I initiated a letter signed by 28 members of the European Parliament, urging EU High Representative Kaja Kalas to take decisive action and impose sanctions on Milorad Dodik. We must ensure the safety of both Bosnia and Europe from this puppet of Putin,” remarked parliamentarian Tineke Strik on the social media platform X.

Members of the European Parliament Assert Dodik’s Actions Align with Moscow’s Interests

The group of European parliamentarians asserts that Dodik has made strides towards the unlawful secession of Republika Srpska in recent weeks, particularly following his February 26 conviction before the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, resulting in a one-year prison sentence and a six-year restriction on political activity for disrespecting the High Representative’s rulings.

Subsequently, on February 27, the RS National Assembly approved, and on March 5, Dodik enacted a law prohibiting the activities of judicial and investigative bodies from Bosnia and Herzegovina within the territory of RS.

This unilateral termination of the state of BiH’s jurisdiction over parts of its territory is inconsistent with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Constitutional Court of BiH temporarily suspended these laws on March 7, but the actual efficacy of this measure remains dubious, especially since, in the summer of 2023, the RS adopted a law negating the application of Constitutional Court decisions within its territory.

Dodik has declared that the laws will be enforced regardless of this ruling.

The recent legislation has been met with near-universal condemnation worldwide, including statements from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and various foreign embassies in BiH.

According to the group of European parliamentarians, Dodik’s actions align with Moscow’s interests, posing a further threat to regional stability.

“Milorad Dodik is known to be among Vladimir Putin’s last allies in Europe, coordinating each of his moves with the Kremlin. In 2024, Dodik and Putin met in person three times, and on March 7, the Russian Federation openly expressed support for Dodik concerning current political developments,” the letter notes.

Moreover, the advocates point out that Dodik’s policies are systematically obstructing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European integration process, paralyzing decision-making at the state level and undermining essential institutions required for the country’s advancement on its European trajectory.

The parliamentarians have urged Kalas to impose sanctions on Dodik and his associates under the EU Council Decision dated March 25, 2024, which sanctions individuals threatening the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order, and international standing of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

They propose that the EU act even if certain member states resist sanctions, recommending the formation of a “coalition of willing member states” that can independently impose sanctions against Dodik.

“Sanctions by EU member states could significantly weaken the financial and political influence of Dodik and his allies, aiding in the stabilization of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is paramount that the EU presents a unified front alongside international partners who have already sanctioned Dodik,” the parliamentarians assert.

Additionally, they underscore the need to enhance the role of EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina, asserting that its mission extends beyond mere security maintenance to safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as outlined in the Dayton Agreement and UN Security Council resolutions.

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