Bosnia and Herzegovina is mired in one of its most severe post-war constitutional crises, as political deadlock at home is met with increasingly passive and ambiguous reactions from the international community. While Western officials have underscored that solutions must come from within, progress remains stalled.
“The current constitutional crisis is blocking the EU integration path. The accession process is the strongest tool for lasting stability. We urge authorities to refocus on this process — adopt key laws, appoint a chief negotiator, and revive the country’s European future,” said Luigi Soreca, the head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia, during a visit to Banja Luka.
His remarks drew sharp criticism from Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska (RS), who objected to the EU’s characterization of RS authorities as responsible for the crisis. Dodik dismissed recent sanctions from Poland and Lithuania, saying: “Poland? Let them do what they want. We can respond reciprocally. We’ll never again vote in support of Poland. As for Lithuania, I’ve never even been there — I couldn’t care less.”
The EU’s limited capacity to act unanimously in Bosnia has become increasingly evident, particularly following speculation over a potential EUFOR-led arrest of Dodik and other top RS officials. Bosnian Defense Minister Zukan Helez clarified: “Every military operation needs a civilian command. The general awaits an EU directive — and no such order has been given.”
Bakir Izetbegović, head of the Bosniak SDA party, blamed Dodik’s regime for the deadlock and criticized the Troika coalition for failing to push back against destructive politics. “The pressure on Dodik’s regime will grow. If anyone defeats him, it will be Dodik himself — through a headstrong policy that hits a wall,” he said.
Meanwhile, the lack of urgency from the United States has raised concern. Washington has yet to name a new ambassador to Sarajevo. Bosnia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Sven Alkalaj, noted that Presidency members would travel to Dayton to mark the 30th anniversary of the peace agreement and seek more concrete U.S. engagement.
“We will raise issues like the ambassadorial vacancy and push for stronger action. The U.S. still has influence here,” Alkalaj said.
Tensions also rose after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that leaders attending Russia’s Victory Day parade could face consequences. Both Dodik and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić were present in Moscow. EU officials responded with another warning.
“The EU has made it clear — there can be no normalization with Putin’s regime while its unprovoked aggression against Ukraine continues. Moscow is no place to express support for peace,” said EU representative Marta Kos.
As the EU focuses largely on internal matters and Ukraine, Bosnia’s institutions have thus far failed to act decisively against those accused of undermining the constitutional order. While RS leaders often mock the crisis, observers warn that meaningful change will not come overnight.