European Union leaders need to focus more on the growing instability in the Western Balkans, particularly in Bosnia and Serbia, stated Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Thursday, prior to an EU summit in Brussels.
“We must keep a close watch on the situation in southeastern Europe, especially regarding the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the circumstances in Serbia,” Plenkovic informed reporters in Brussels.
He highlighted the severe political crisis currently facing Bosnia, the most significant since the conclusion of its war from 1992 to 1995, which has been exacerbated by separatist actions from Serb leaders following Milorad Dodik’s one-year prison sentence for ignoring the directives of the post-war international peace envoy.
Plenkovic also mentioned the ongoing anti-government protests in Serbia, which have erupted in response to the tragic deaths of 15 individuals due to a roof collapse at a railway station, raising allegations of extensive corruption and negligence at high levels.
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Additionally, Plenkovic emphasized the necessity of leveraging the momentum generated by U.S. President Donald Trump to bring an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has now entered its fourth year following Russia’s large-scale invasion.
“We believe that Ukraine’s survival hinges on its ability to remain resilient and enhance its defense capabilities,” he remarked.
