Bosnia's EU Path: Schmidt Blocks Serb Parliament's Orders

Bosnia's international peace envoy, Christian Schmidt, intervened to block moves by the Serb Republic's parliament that could hinder the country's EU integration. The parliament ordered Serb delegates to oppose legal reforms required for EU membership, challenging Schmidt's authority, and potentially destabilizing Bosnia's political landscape.

Bosnia's international peace envoy intervened on Thursday, countering the Serb Republic parliament's efforts that could jeopardize the country's EU integration. The regional parliament had mandated Serb representatives to resist legal reforms vital for EU membership, threatening to derail Bosnia's European aspirations.

High Representative Christian Schmidt, whose authority the Serbs contest, declared any attempts to enforce these 'dangerous elements' void. Schmidt's actions align with the Dayton Accords, which ended Bosnia's ethnic war, providing him ultimate decision-making power under the peace agreement.

Since the accords, Bosnia has been divided into two autonomous regions, the Serb Republic and a federation of Croats and Bosniaks, under a weak central government. Schmidt's recent measures aim to prevent Bosnia from descending into another political crisis and ensure continued progress towards EU integration.

(With inputs from agencies.)