Tineke Strik: EUFOR Must Be Prepared to Safeguard SIPA During Dodik’s Arrest

Sarajevo, (Fena) – Tineke Strik, a Member of the European Parliament, has concluded a three-day working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of a fact-finding mission. This initiative, organized by Ondřej Kolář, the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina, aimed to gather insights and assess the current situation in the country.

Throughout her visit, the delegation traveled to Sarajevo and Banja Luka, engaging in discussions with representatives from governmental institutions, the Office of the High Representative (OHR), civil society organizations, political parties, diplomatic missions, and other key stakeholders to inform the European Parliament’s Annual Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina, as noted in the official statement.

Strik expressed gratitude for the welcoming reception from various institutions, politicians, and civil society but underscored that her overall assessment is not optimistic.

“The country is entrenched in a severe security crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing unlawful actions of Milorad Dodik. If he is not apprehended swiftly, this could spiral into a rule of law crisis. Thus, it is vital for EUFOR to be prepared to support SIPA during Dodik’s arrest. This decision should be taken operationally, as it clearly falls within the EUFOR mandate,” Strik remarked at the end of her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

She stressed the importance of permanently rejecting the policy of appeasement that has led to the current predicament.

“It is evident that the country is tightly controlled by an ethnonationalist, corrupt elite whose sole interest lies in maintaining its power. A decisive and robust role for the EU is necessary to champion the interests of citizens and ensure the comprehensive implementation of all rulings from the European Court of Human Rights. The international community, including the EU, must enhance financial and political support for civil society and journalists, who are under tremendous pressure as the frontline defenders of democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is the only route to achieving genuine democracy and fulfilling the European aspirations of the citizens,” Tineke Strik concluded. (10.04.)