Interview for the Sarajevo daily newspaper Dnevni avaz: The place of BiH and Serbia is in the EU and NATO
Neutrality and “sitting on two chairs” only prolong the state of political uncertainty
BiH is facing a new political crisis following the collapse of the coalition at the state level and frequent secessionist messages from Banja Luka, while protests by students and citizens demanding responsibility for the accident in Novi Sad, in which 15 people died, have led to the fall of the Serbian government. The political and security situation in the region is commented on for “Avaz” by Dr. Orhan Dragaš, an expert on security and international relations and founder and director of the International Security Institute based in Belgrade.
A decisive response
Dragaš says that the region, and Serbia and BiH in particular, are facing high levels of political instability, broken trust between key actors, and serious challenges to institutional stability. In Serbia, increasing tensions between the government and the opposition are evident, while BiH remains hostage to its internal ethnic and political divisions, with deadlocks in the functioning of state institutions becoming almost the norm.
Of particular concern is the destructive role of political leaders like Milorad Dodik, whose actions and rhetoric not only undermine the stability of BiH but also pose a serious threat to regional security. Dodik’s insistence on secessionist narratives and his constant questioning of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutions do not contribute to solving the problem but rather fuel tensions and create a climate of insecurity. In combination with the lack of a decisive response from the international community, this puts Bosnia and Herzegovina in a permanent political crisis, said Dragaš.
He agrees with the assessment that the current events are a clear call to the international community to become more involved in the region again. Dragaš says that the withdrawal of key international actors over the last decade has led to a weakening of the reform agenda in almost all countries in the region.
The European Union must show more determination and restore the credibility of its enlargement process, as this perspective is a key instrument for stabilizing the region. In addition, the US and other international actors should push harder for the implementation of reforms and the support of functioning institutions that can ensure stability and security. Without this commitment, the turmoil we are currently experiencing will turn into a chronic crisis with serious consequences for the entire European continent, not only for our region, Dragaš emphasized.
Stability framework
He categorically believes that the future of the region, including Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, lies with the European Union and NATO, and that this is not a question of ideology but of interest and survival.
The EU and NATO provide a framework for stability, security, and economic progress, while alternative directions, such as dependence on Russia or China, do not offer sustainable models for long-term development. The opposite is true. Every country in this region must finally define its strategic direction. Neutrality and “sitting on two chairs” only prolong the state of political uncertainty and economic stagnation, said Professor Orhan Dragaš.
Modern standards
Integration into the EU and NATO means the acceptance of modern management standards and rights and freedoms, which not only strengthens the position of our countries on the international stage but also guarantees a more stable future for our citizens. The region has no more time for wanderings and experiments—the place of our countries is with the Western partners—said Professor Dragaš.