Austria and Germany ban entry for leaders of Republika Srpska
Due to the threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity, Austria and Germany have imposed sanctions on Republika Srpska politicians and are demanding immediate reforms.
Photo: Izbor za bolji zivot Boris Tadic, CC BY 2.0
On Tuesday, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and German Minister of State for Europe and Climate Anna Lührmann met in Sarajevo.
The main topic of discussion was the constitutional crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggered by the separatist actions of the Republika Srpska leadership.
The politicians stressed that attacks on the country's constitutional integrity are unacceptable and undermine stability.
In response, Austria and Germany, with the support of other EU countries, announced entry bans for three high-ranking Serbian politicians, including Milorad Dodik.
These measures aim to protect the democratic course and support Bosnia’s European integration. Diplomats call on all political leaders to end the reform blockade and return to the European development path.
Recall that Milorad Dodik, sentenced to one year in prison and banned from political office for six years, violated the arrest warrant, left Bosnia, traveled to Serbia and Russia, and later returned to Republika Srpska.
The essence of the crisis
Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing a serious political crisis due to actions by the Republika Srpska leadership. Authorities passed laws banning the operation of state institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina on their territory, created parallel structures, increased pressure on NGOs and media, and announced the formation of their own border police.
These steps undermine the country’s constitutional order and violate the 1995 Dayton Accords.
The crisis escalated after the conviction of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik for disregarding the decisions of the international representative.
Instead of appealing, he initiated further dismantling of central authority. Sarajevo's response remains limited, and without external support, Dodik’s arrest is impossible. The situation risks escalating into open confrontation.