Presidential Candidates Discuss Croatia’s Neighbors’ European Perspectives

ZAGREB – During a debate on HRT, all eight presidential candidates expressed a shared commitment to protecting the rights of Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and supporting the country’s bid for EU membership. However, they disagreed on whether Serbia should be blocked from EU accession until certain issues are resolved.

Miro Bulj (Most) and Branka Lozo (DOMiNO) advocated for blocking Serbia’s EU entry until the issues of missing persons and war reparations are addressed. Ivana Kekin from Možemo! echoed the importance of resolving missing persons, stressing that Croatia should promote a civic and democratic government in Serbia. HDZ candidate Dragan Primorac, part of the ruling coalition, has linked Serbia’s EU prospects to the opening of the JNA archives and transparency regarding the Vukovar hospital, while criticizing current President and SDP candidate Zoran Milanović for his interactions with Milorad Dodik.

Independent candidate Tomislav Jonjić asserted that Serbia should not join the EU without an apology for its previous aggression, while independent Niko Tokić Kartelo suggested that dialogue is preferable to any blockade. In contrast, Milanović argued that Serbia must make its own choices, and a solution can be reached through cooperation, emphasizing the significance of ongoing dialogue with Serbia. “There are no negotiations with the Glina agitator,” independent candidate Marija Selak Raspudić remarked, referring to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

Throughout the debate, Tokić Kartelo criticized his fellow candidates for lacking inspiration and failing to present concrete solutions, suggesting that one candidate is too focused on the past.

Nevertheless, the candidates largely concurred on the necessity of protecting Croat rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina and assisting the country in its pursuit of EU membership. “We have a constitutional, legal, and moral obligation towards Croats in BiH,” Jonjić stated.

Primorac added, “We will help Croats in BiH move towards the EU,” a sentiment echoed by other candidates. (December 23, 2024.)