The Minister of European Integration and International Cooperation of the Republic of Srpska, Zlatan Klokić, said that the Republic of Srpska remained committed to BiH’s European path, but that it would not agree to solutions leading to the transfer or reduction of its constitutional competencies.

Speaking about the stalemate in the European integration process, Klokić stated that the coordination mechanism should enable a unified communication between BiH and the institutions of the European Union, but that political representatives from Sarajevo often saw the European process as an opportunity for centralization of the state.

– For us, the red line is the protection of the competencies of the Republic of Srpska defined by the Constitution and the Dayton Peace Agreement. European integration should be a process of reforms and adaptation to the European market, rather than creation of new institutions at BiH level – said Klokić.

Commenting on the conditions for opening negotiation chapters with the European Union, he noted the importance of agreeing on the negotiating framework and the manner of conducting negotiations with Brussels. He cited the formation of the Appellate Chamber of the Court of BiH as one of the open issues, emphasizing that locating it outside of Banja Luka was unacceptable for the Republic of Srpska.

Klokić also noted the importance of cooperation between the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, stating that relations between the two sides were at the highest level in the last few decades. As concrete results, he cited Serbia’s financial support to numerous local communities and infrastructure projects, most notably the construction of a highway to connect Belgrade and Banja Luka.

According to him, some joint projects, such as the construction of hydropower facilities on the Drina River and the airport in Trebinje, were still facing blockages at the level of BiH institutions.

Speaking about the international position of the Republic of Srpska, Klokić stated that participation in international economic forums, including the recent forum in St. Petersburg, was an opportunity to present development potential and establish new economic partnerships.

– In times of geopolitical changes, it is important for the Republic of Srpska to be present in places where future economic flows and investment opportunities are discussed – said the minister.

He recalled that this year a Representative Office of the Republic of Srpska opened in France, and that currently no new representative offices were planned, although this possibility remained open depending on future geopolitical circumstances.

Klokić also referred to cooperation with the diaspora, stating that a portal for the registration of citizens of the Republic of Srpska origin living abroad had been launched. He added that there was a growing interest with the diaspora in returning and investing, among other things due to a favorable business environment, low corporate income tax rate and availability of business zones.

Regarding European funds, Klokić stated that various European Union programs offered significant financial support to the Republic of Srpska. He recalled that the 2025–2027 IPA funds provided for around 140 million euros for BiH, where numerous local communities and business entities had already received support through projects in the fields of energy, local development and economy.

Klokić also announced a new measure to support potential beneficiaries of European funds, where the Government of the Republic of Srpska would provide project co-financing to the applicants lacking part of their own participation.

– In this way, we want to make better use of European funds and enable a greater number of municipalities, businessmen and organizations to participate in international projects – concluded Klokić.

Source and photo: RTRS