The European Parliament adopted a report on Bosnia and Herzegovina with strong support for its membership in the European Union, but also with a clear message to domestic political leaders to implement key reforms without delay and end political deadlocks.The report was adopted with 478 votes in favor, 116 against, and 54 abstentions, and the parliamentarians reiterated support for BiH's European path based on its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Emphasis was placed on the need to strengthen democratic institutions, rule of law, fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as protection of fundamental rights of all citizens.The European Parliament specifically called for an end to obstructionism, politically motivated vetoes, and divisive rhetoric which, as noted, slows down the country's European integration.Permanent Rapporteur for BiH Ondřej Kolář said that the European Union wants to see Bosnia and Herzegovina as a future member, but that progress is often hindered by internal disagreements and lack of political consensus. He stressed that EU membership requires concrete results and genuine commitment to reforms.

Emphasis placed on strengthening democratic institutions and fighting corruption and organized crime

European Parliament warns BiH leaders: Stop obstructionism

At the Municipal Court in Sarajevo during today's continuation of the main trial of defendant Amir Pašić Faćo, who is charged with the criminal offense of "Endangering Security", after the defense presented its case and the defendant addressed the court, cantonal prosecutor Emil Pinkas also spoke.- You explained that they are involved. Who are they – the prosecutor asked.- They are guys, people who are involved, Sarajevo bums, led by Ibro Miladin, so that he could... We have all the photographs, Dinu Konaković, Ibro Miladin and he put these two idiots with him. One is Mujica, the other Sulejman Jasika – Pašić says.

- When I stated everything, the late Mr. Vasković spoke out that Faćo is not lying – Pašić emphasizes.He added that Brković is insecure and has an entourage.- Do you believe he is the one who ordered this – the prosecutor asked.- If you ask me, yes – Pašić said.

The prosecutor then referred to Pašić's statement in which he said: "I am crazy because of those people".- Leave what I said alone – says Pašić.- Given that the defendant stated "Leave what I said alone", we have nothing further to ask – the prosecutor responded.

- I firmly assert that he is behind the attempt on my life – Pašić said.As additional evidence, the prosecutor submitted a record today. The evidence procedure was concluded before the court today.

We have all the photographs, Dinu Konaković, Ibro Miladin and he put these two idiots with him. One is Mujica, the other Sulejman Jasika

Amir Pašić Faćo shocked the courtroom with a statement: "He is behind the attempt to kill me"

Bosnia and Herzegovina will be added back to the gray list of FATF on Friday, the Council of Europe's supervisory body responsible for monitoring systems to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism.This means our country will once again find itself among states with serious deficiencies in this area after eight years, which could negatively impact the investment climate and international financial transactions.<h2>Return Among Risk Countries</h2>BiH was already on the gray list in the period from 2015 to 2018. Over recent months it has become increasingly certain that a return to this list would follow, and a recommendation for such a decision was made at a FATF meeting held last month in Helsinki.According to unofficial information, the Bosnia and Herzegovina delegation was informed at today's session of the relevant subcommittee that the country will be returned to the gray list, while the final decision should be confirmed at the plenary session scheduled for Friday.<h2>Key System Deficiencies</h2>Among the main reasons for this decision is the failure to establish a register of beneficial owners of legal entities in the Federation of BiH, as well as the fact that the Law on Confiscation of Illegally Acquired Property has not been adopted.Although authorities have in the meantime adopted certain legislative solutions related to preventing the financing of terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction, FATF assessed that these steps were taken too late to influence the final decision.Following official confirmation, Bosnia and Herzegovina should receive an action plan with measures that need to be implemented in order to be removed from the gray list in the coming period. The plan will include the adoption of legislative solutions as well as their practical implementation.

Decision by international body could negatively impact investments, financial transactions and country's reputation

BiH Returns to FATF Gray List After Eight Years

The Sarajevo EPP conference has raised the question of whether a new "people's party" majority is emerging before the October elections in BiH, following the pattern of the coalition formed after the 2014 elections. While domestic politics largely functions as an endless struggle for budgets, positions and control over public resources, it is often forgotten that the largest political parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not merely local actors. They are simultaneously part of broader European political families that seek to build common policies and political alliances beyond the borders of individual states.<h2>An unnoticed meeting</h2>This was precisely one of the more important messages of the European People's Party (EPP) conference held in Sarajevo last week. In one place, representatives of parties belonging to the strongest political group in the European Union gathered – from SDA and HDZ BiH to PDP, HDZ 1990 and SDS, which does not yet have full member status but gravitates politically and ideologically toward that family.

The signing of a joint declaration on Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path was formally devoted to European integration. However, in an election year it is difficult to ignore the question of whether behind the shared photographs and messages about a European future lies a kind of testing of future coalition relations.<h2>Following the 2014 model</h2>Such a possibility is not without precedent. After the 2014 elections, parties gathered around the EPP formed government at the state level. SDA then established a partnership with HDZ BiH together with SDS and PDP from the Republika Srpska, although Milorad Dodik's SNSD retained power in the RS.This demonstrated that political majorities at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina do not necessarily have to follow entity governments, but can be built on the basis of different political and international alliances.Today certain parallels impose themselves naturally. For months, intensified contacts between SDA and HDZ have been visible. HDZ leader Dragan Čović openly talks about the need for a "relaxation of relations" between Croats and Bosniaks, while signals from SDA suggest readiness for dialogue.Unlike the period when relations between Bakir Izetbegović and Dragan Čović were marked by almost complete breakdown of communication, today meetings are held regularly and the rhetoric is considerably more moderate.<h2>The question of a third partner</h2>Because of this, there is increasingly an impression that the alliance of SDA and HDZ (along with other Bosniak parties) is currently the most likely fixed point in future post-election negotiations. The question is only who could be the third partner.In the Republika Srpska, this could be PDP and SDS if they achieve sufficiently good election results, thereby practically reconstructing the model from 2014. Of course, much will depend on the election results of the opposition in the RS and its ability to seize political initiative from SNSD.<h2>Similarities and differences</h2>These parties are connected by membership in the same European political family, conservative-democratic or people's party political profile and emphasized national identity, but there are serious open questions between them. HDZ insists on changes to the Electoral Law and legitimate representation, while SDA emphasizes questions of state institutions and constitutional order. The opposition from the Republika Srpska has its own priorities, but politics is precisely the search for a common minimum of interests. The Sarajevo EPP conference showed that there is political space in which SDA, HDZ, PDP and SDS can talk without mutual accusations and with the support of European partners.

SDA and HDZ have intensified contacts in recent months, and the Sarajevo gathering of the European People's Party brought together PDP, SDS and HDZ 1990

Is a new post-election majority emerging behind the EPP's Sarajevo conference: Are SDA and HDZ "fixed" after the elections?

SBB – Fahrudin Radončić continues strong personnel strengthening and gathering of patriotic forces and capable leaders. Today, the first wartime commander of the "Živiničke ose" unit of the Army of BiH, Mevludin Mahmutbegović, also joined this political project. It is a unit and commander whose wartime path has become legendary.

Also, Mujo Butković from Živinica, a respected economist and manager with extensive professional experience in the economy, financial sector and public enterprises, joined the SBB. Butković is a graduate economist, master's student at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Tuzla, and during his career held a number of responsible managerial positions. He was general director of JP BH Pošta Sarajevo, executive director at RMU Đurđevik, regional manager of Sparkasse Bank for the Tuzla Canton area, and manager and director at several financial institutions. He currently serves as director of the Sarajevo Post Center.The meeting was also attended by the head of the Central Election Headquarters Nermin Džindić and Elvir Salihović, party trustee for TK.&nbsp;

It is a unit and commander whose wartime path has become legendary

First commander of the renowned "Živiničke ose" Mevludin Mahmutbegović and Mujo Butković, respected manager, joined the SBB

Six parties, SDA, BH Greens and SBB, as well as SDP BiH, NES and PDA will sign an official agreement on joint participation in the RS entity at the beginning of next week.- We believe that in the interest of not only the Bosniak people but all patriotically oriented citizens, the territory of the RS entity should not be a place for tensions, conflicts and mutual competition of pro-state parties, regardless of different political views and rivalries. We will conduct political contests in the territory of the Federation of BiH. Given previous results, only a joint run can ensure representation of state-building forces from the RS entity in the BiH Parliament, as well as stronger representation of pro-state parties in the RS National Assembly.Scattering votes across multiple different electoral lists could completely minimize the political influence of Bosnian and Herzegovinian patriots in the RS entity. The SDA, SDP and their partners call on all parties operating in the RS entity and counting primarily on votes from returnees and the diaspora to join the coalition and put the general interest above party and individual interests, - states the SDP statement.

Given previous results, only a joint run can ensure representation of state-building forces from the RS entity in the BiH Parliament, as well as stronger representation of pro-state parties in the RS National Assembly, according to a statement

Agreement reached: Bosniak parties will run jointly in RS

The news that Federal Television secured the broadcast of the Bosnia and Herzegovina – Canada match is certainly a reason for satisfaction for many citizens who will be able to follow their national team's performance without additional subscription fees or purchasing special packages.&nbsp;The national team is a common good of all citizens and it is completely justified to expect that events of this significance be accessible to the broader public through public service, of course on the condition that there is a competent government.<h2>Mutual Justifications</h2>However, behind this positive news remain several uncomfortable questions to which the public deserves answers. If, as Bakir Hadžiomerović, FTV director, stated, Telekom Srbija's helpfulness played a significant role in solving the problem, then the question arises why institutions and responsible people in Bosnia and Herzegovina were not able earlier and independently to ensure what is their job.&nbsp;Citizens are actually not interested in behind-the-scenes negotiations, political relations or mutual justifications. They are interested in the simple fact that they can watch their national team, and surely the government is obligated to work well for its citizens.It is particularly interesting that the public often creates the impression that for every problem a designated culprit or media smokescreen is immediately found behind which someone's negligence is trying to be hidden.&nbsp;In this context, it is interesting to recall earlier statements by Elmedin Konaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who himself presented Telekom Srbija as an "occupier" of media space in BiH, and it would not be surprising if the story about TV ALFA is used again as a "smoke screen" to once more sidestep the real issue - the incompetence of the current authorities to provide citizens with broadcasts of BiH national team matches from the World Cup.<h2>Political Interpretations</h2>And so while Dino spews fire, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić saves the face of the Trio before the people, because without doubt he had to give his consent for the support to Telekom Srbija that FTV received.Regardless of all circumstances and political interpretations, the fact remains that the availability of national team broadcasts should be a standard, not a result of improvisation and ad hoc interventions. This is precisely where the difference between a functioning system and one that clearly does not function under the Trio becomes most apparent.

The question arises why institutions and responsible people in Bosnia and Herzegovina were not able earlier and independently to ensure what is their job

Bakir Hadžiomerović, Elmedin Konaković i Aleksandar Vučić

While Konaković spews fire, Vučić saves the face of the Trio before the people

American influencer and TikToker Justus Reid has successfully completed the renovation of an old, completely neglected house in Croatian Zagorje, which he paid only 5,000 euros for last year.&nbsp;Although the property initially had no electricity, water, or proper access, after 11 months of intensive construction work and more than a hundred published videos, the house has been transformed into a functional home.&nbsp;Reid invested an additional 70,000 euros in the complete renovation of the interior and infrastructure, and local residents and friends who selflessly helped him played a major role throughout the process.This project has attracted enormous attention in the Balkans, and followers have praised his perseverance and synergy with the local community.&nbsp;However, the influencer is not stopping there; he has already bought three more abandoned properties nearby (two houses and one bunker) for a total of 16,000 euros, which he also plans to completely renovate.

He has already bought three more abandoned properties nearby

American TikToker bought a house for 5,000 euros: Here's how much he had to invest in renovation

A new case of public property destruction has been documented in Sarajevo's Great Park, where citizens noticed broken stone markers that are part of the park's and memorial character of this space.Photographs posted on social media show one of the stone elements knocked to the ground and visibly damaged, which has sparked outrage among citizens.The Great Park is one of the most recognizable green spaces in central Sarajevo, and in addition to its park function, it also holds significant historical and memorial importance. For this reason, citizens emphasize that any form of vandalism in this space is particularly concerning.The photographs show that the stone marker has been separated from its base and ended up on the ground beside the walkway, while it remains unknown whether the damage was caused intentionally or as a result of other circumstances.It is shameful to watch how certain individuals through their actions undermine the beauty and dignity of Sarajevo.&nbsp;

The photographs show a stone marker separated from its base and lying on the ground beside the walkway

Toppled stone markers in Sarajevo's Great Park

At the City Cemetery Bare in Sarajevo, from early afternoon hours, family members, friends, neighbors and numerous admirers of the Bešlić family began arriving to attend the funeral prayer (dzenaza) of Sejda Bešlić, the wife of legendary singer Halid Bešlić.Emotional scenes marked the family's arrival, and particularly moving was the moment when Dino Bešlić approached his mother's coffin, embraced it and stood silently for several moments, not hiding the pain of such a great loss.Many present with tears in their eyes remember Sejda Bešlić as a modest, dignified and selfless woman who spent most of her life away from the spotlight, devoted to her family and loved ones.

As the time of the funeral prayer approaches, the number of those gathered continues to grow, and among those present there is a shared sorrow over the passing of a woman who left her mark on the life of one of the most famous musical families in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Among those present are Dino Merlin, Osman Hadžić, Neno Murić, Fahrudin Pecikoza and many others.

Many present with tears in their eyes remember Sejda Bešlić as a modest, dignified and selfless woman

Video / Sad scenes: Dino Bešlić silently embraces his mother Sejda's coffin

A hearing for determining detention of suspects in the attempted murder of Taib Habul and Usama Derviškadić was held today before the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo, regarding the determination of detention measures based on the motion of the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of Sarajevo Canton.By court order, Habul was assigned defense counsel ex officio Jasmine Džaferović, while Derviškadić was assigned attorney Dijana Hasić-Kamarić.At today's hearing, Habul confirmed that he had previously been convicted of minor bodily injury, that he is unemployed, unmarried, and Derviškadić confirmed he has no prior convictions, is unemployed and also unmarried.<h2>Blood traces</h2>The prosecutor Alma Džinović then addressed those present and explained what criminal offense was involved, namely what they are suspected of. Džinović emphasized that blood traces were found at the scene of the incident, as well as clothing items—a hoodie and a shirt worn by Benjamin Hastor.She mentioned that Hastor had three lacerations, caused by a knife blade, on the left side of his back.<h2>Projectile in body</h2>The victim, as she said, was with three people on a bench, when one suspect approached him from behind, Habul, as she stated, drew a gun and shot him.

She stated that Habul struck Hastor with the gun handle. Džinović added that Hastor is undergoing treatment and that the projectile remains in his body.<h2>Retaliatory target</h2>The prosecutor noted that citizens were witnesses at the scene of the incident and that they saw what happened.

Džinović stated that the victim could not resist and believes this was a retaliatory target and a serious conflict.Regarding the measure of detention due to flight risk, the prosecutor notes that the incident occurred on 24.05.2026, and they have not shown a tendency to surrender, particularly given that their names have been published publicly.

She mentioned that Taib had previously stayed in the territory of Serbia. She added that Habul had announced to a witness that he would kill some boy.The prosecutor stated today that no shell casings or weapons were found at the scene. She also mentioned the danger of repetition of the criminal offense when it comes to these two suspects. The prosecutor claims that they had the determination to deprive the victim of life. Džinović further states that one suspect had cold weapons and the other had a firearm.Regarding Derviškadić, she emphasized that he is under investigation for certain acts involving elements of violence.

The prosecutor stated that the suspects, through employees of the Clinical Center of the University in Sarajevo, monitored whether Hastor would survive.

She added that there is a very pronounced interactive danger, as if the crime occurred in a densely populated area and the criminal offense is serious, and that it will depend on Hastor's health condition.She mentioned that the suspects could endanger both themselves and other citizens if they were released. The prosecutor says that no other milder measures exist.

We remind you that Benjamin Hastor was wounded in a shooting that occurred in the Sarajevo settlement of Alipašino Polje on 24.05.2026.

- The incident was reported at 23:45 hours on Trg ZAVNOBiH Street. A man B.H. suffered an injury caused by the use of a firearm. Police officers are intensively working to clarify all circumstances of this incident – Mersiha Novalić, spokesperson for the Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, confirmed earlier for "Avaz".

Džinović stated that the victim could not resist and believes this was a retaliatory target and a serious conflict

Sa današnjeg ročišta u Kantonalnom sudu u Sarajevu 

Prosecutor reveals shocking details about Sarajevo shooting: Hastor attacked from behind, tracked through KCUS employee whether he would survive

The funeral prayer for Sejdi Bešlić was held today at Bare City Cemetery in Sarajevo, where a large number of family members, friends, neighbors and admirers of the Bešlić family gathered to pay their final respects.

After the funeral prayer, the burial was carried out. The body of Sejda Bešlić was lowered into the grave with prayers and tears from her closest relatives, and particularly emotional moments were recorded among family members who had difficulty saying goodbye.Sejda Bešlić was buried next to her husband Halid Bešlić, with whom she spent most of her life, sharing with him both the hardest and most beautiful moments. This very scene further saddened those present, who watched in silence the final farewell of a woman who had been the pillar of the Bešlić family for decades.

<div>Sad faces, tears and silent glances marked today's farewell at Bare. Among those gathered, silence prevailed, broken only by the recitation of prayers and words of consolation, as the closest relatives accompanied Sejda Bešlić on her eternal rest.</div>

Emotional moments were recorded among family members who said a difficult farewell

Video / Funeral Prayer Held for Sejdi Bešlić: She is Buried Next to Her Halid

After a two-day session of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC), a new high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina has not been elected.The reason is that no consensus was reached between the United States and EU countries over who it should be.The United States is adamant that Antonio Zanardi Landi should be appointed to the position, and it has the support of Italy as well as its traditional non-European partners.On the other side, Brussels, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom insisted that the new high representative should be Frenchman Rene Trokaz.Zanardi Landi was even brought to the session, which was not typical in earlier periods when high representatives were selected. A conclusion was reached to try to bring positions closer in order for the new high representative to be elected by the end of the month.Although the United States previously supported a European solution for the high representative, with Europeans selecting the deputy, this time the situation has changed. The reasons are economic in nature, as the US expects the new high representative to also resolve the issue of state property so that the Southern Interconnection project can begin to be implemented. On the other hand, EU countries do not want to lose the influence they had through this institution.More important than the name itself is the question of what powers the new high representative will have.

The United States is adamant that Antonio Zanardi Landi should be appointed to the position, and it has the support of Italy as well as its traditional non-European partners

Europe and US clash over name: PIC fails to appoint high representative

The joint appearance of Elmedin Konaković and Nermin Nikšić on the local media outlet Raport was designed to "smooth over" the strained relations between coalition partners. Instead, the on-camera performance exposed Konaković's delusion to continue at all costs with a harmful and unnecessary purchase, and robbed BH Telecom, headed by a cadre of his party, Amel Kovačević.<h2>Not 200, just 100</h2>Konaković stated that the purchase of Telemach should continue under new conditions, namely at a price lower by 100 million KM compared to the original offer. He tried to present this as the current government's concern about "saving public money" and protecting interests from the harmful influence of Serbian media. In reality, he unconsciously admitted to the robbery.Konaković insists on concluding a harmful agreement because he naively believes that as Minister of Foreign Affairs he has no formal, and therefore no criminal responsibility for this robbery. He does not understand that material evidence and media appearances like this, in which he clearly indicates that he is directing the process, matter.By insisting that the price is now "reduced by 100 million," Konaković is actually publicly admitting that the original plan was an attempt to overpay Telemach by 200 million marks, while now he insists on overpaying "only" the remaining 100 million KM.That he is directing the process was shown by the fact that he said he had already discussed it with the responsible Minister of Transport and Communications of the Federation of BiH, Adrijana Katić. On the other hand, Prime Minister and the minister's superior Nikšić said he has not yet discussed the issue with the responsible minister.The actors in this harmful purchase hide the total price of Telemach under the guise of business secrecy, but it is estimated that it could range between 600 and 750 million KM.

<h2>Nikšić's "concerns"</h2>During the appearance, Nikšić also unconsciously admitted and expressed willingness to accept overpaying Telemach, "if necessary," because on the market "you don't get anything below price," as Konaković announced just a few minutes earlier in the same show."I told the BH Telecom Management that maybe we also have to overpay it in order to prevent someone regional from entering." This math, where despite a finding of overpricing of 200 million a "discount" of 100 million is offered, and the Prime Minister accepts overpayment, is public haggling and extraction of at least another 100 million KM from a corrupt deal.As his greatest concern, Nikšić did not highlight the theft of citizen money, but rather how to shift the responsibility for concluding a harmful deal to the BH Telecom Management. "It's not us who determine how much something will cost," he stated.He tried to reduce the role of himself as Prime Minister and the FBiH Government to a political body, which "only makes a political decision," or which will agree with the deal as the BH Telecom Management agrees to it. He also added that he thinks he has solved the problem with audit firms that found price overpricing.After this, the Prosecution should investigate the attempted fraud by the FBiH Government and the brazen robbery of BH Telecom shareholders.

<h2>Economically senseless purchase is "a stone around the neck"</h2>How market "attractive" the purchase of Telemach is is shown by the fact that, apart from Konaković and Nikšić, there is not a single other buyer on the market interested in discussing the acquisition of a company burdened with outdated technology and legal disputes.Economic analyst Igor Gavran warns that taking over Telemach is tying a stone around the neck of BH Telecom, even if it were purchased at a realistic, market price. Telemach requires enormous investments because many of its users still have routers from 2017. That is, from a technological perspective, the Stone Age, Gavran emphasizes.BH Telecom would have to use that money for its own infrastructure and the construction of a 5G network, which exists everywhere in Europe except in BiH, while the civilized world is already planning a 6G sixth generation network. Namely, BiH is the only country in Europe without a 5G fifth generation internet network, except for war-torn Ukraine.Gavran also highlights the risk of open lawsuits and legal proceedings within Telemach. Also, at a time when the FBiH Government is excessively indebted, the purchase would be financed by enormous debt of BH Telecom itself, and the total burden on citizens would explode, Gavran emphasizes.Gavran assesses the argument that BH Telecom will take over Telemach's users with this purchase as unrealistic. Users with old equipment would themselves switch to BH Telecom if offered a better and more modern alternative, without the risk of takeover and the burden of this failed company, he emphasizes.While competition develops 5G, BH Telecom, due to debt, will be raising the lagging Telemach to the level where others are today, and due to major obligations will not be able to compete with anyone on price. In the end, Gavran sends the message that casually bidding hundreds of millions and "halving" the amount of overpricing is "shameful mockery of the intelligence of taxpayers."

After this, the Prosecution should investigate the attempted fraud by the FBiH Government and the brazen robbery of BH Telecom shareholders

Konaković: Lažni zaštitnik Bošnjaka u neviđenoj krađi BH Telecoma i ne pita za Željezaru ili Koksaru. Šolak: Kragujevački biznismen „spustio“ cijenu za čak 100 miliona KM pod pritiskom „Avaza“ 

Konaković publicly admitted that he tried to steal 100 million KM

A new analysis of the U.S. report on the Western Balkans indicates a gradual change in Washington's priorities in the region. The focus is increasingly shifting toward preserving stability, energy security, and strengthening economic ties, while democratization and political reform issues no longer hold a central place in the American approach.Political analyst Ama Lotlana in an analysis for the Atlas Institute for International Affairs notes that the latest State Department report represents one of the most concrete definitions of American policy toward the Western Balkans since the beginning of President Donald Trump's second term.Although the document formally maintains support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty, the normalization of Serbia-Kosovo relations, cooperation with NATO, and countering Russian and Chinese influence, Lotlana believes that there has been a significant change in how Washington perceives the region.- The political significance of the report lies in the reordered list of these objectives and in the way Washington now, it seems, views the region less as a post-war democratization project and more as a strategic zone of infrastructure, energy, trade, law enforcement against organized crime, and great power competition - Lotlana notes.<h2>End of the "state-building" era</h2>Particular attention was drawn to the formulation in the report that the "era of state-building led by the United States has ended".According to Lotlana, this sentence should not be understood merely as fatigue from interventions in the 1990s and early 2000s, but as a sign of a broader shift in American policy.- Instead of rescue, reconstruction, and international oversight, the report presents an approach based on stability and "mutually beneficial partnerships," suggesting that Washington's policy toward the Balkans is increasingly determined by the strategic usefulness of regional actors rather than long-term transformation of their political systems - the author writes.In other words, the Western Balkans is increasingly viewed as a space important for energy infrastructure, trade, security, and geopolitical competition with Russia and China.<h2>BiH as a test of new policy</h2>Bosnia and Herzegovina occupies a special place in this analysis.Lotlana recalls that the State Department repeats its support for the Dayton Peace Agreement, BiH's sovereignty and territorial integrity, but simultaneously points to a contradiction between such messages and Washington's decision in October 2025 to lift sanctions on Milorad Dodik, his allies, family members, and related entities.- The result is an unresolved tension between the report's declarative commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty and the administration's practical willingness to reduce pressure on the political network most associated with testing the boundaries of that sovereignty - Lotlana notes.According to his assessment, the problem is not only whether tactical de-escalation has value, but whether a policy prioritizing stability can reward a pattern of political behavior in which crisis is produced, then negotiated, and then converted into political capital through partial withdrawal.- The deeper question is whether a stability-first doctrine risks rewarding the very pattern it should curb: escalation, crisis, negotiation, partial withdrawal, and then converting instability into political leverage - the author writes.The analysis particularly points out that the State Department report bypasses the question of lobbying, although Lotlana believes that controversies over Dodik and Republika Srpska cannot be separated from lobbying activities in Washington.- The key question is not only whether lobbying directly bought a political outcome, which would require evidence beyond publicly available data, but whether the new American doctrine is structurally more vulnerable to elite influence because it is less anchored in democratic conditionality and more open to transactional arrangements - the analysis states.The author warns that if American policy is increasingly organized around agreements, strategic usefulness, and short-term stability, regional actors could gain more space to present themselves as useful partners rather than destabilizing factors.<h2>Energy and geopolitics</h2>An important part of the new American policy, according to this analysis, concerns energy security.Washington seeks to reduce the region's dependence on Russian energy sources through gas supply diversification projects, strengthening energy infrastructure, and expanding access to American liquefied natural gas.In this context, BiH is increasingly viewed as part of a broader energy security strategy, not merely as a country with unresolved constitutional and political problems.Another important point in the analysis is the relatively weak presence of the European Union in the American report.Lotlana believes this reflects a reality that has been developing for years: EU enlargement remains a formal goal for the Western Balkans, but it no longer carries the same strategic force as an instrument of political transformation.- This does not mean Washington opposes European integration, but it means that European integration no longer looks like the central grammar of American regional strategy in the Western Balkans - the author notes.The conclusion of the analysis is that the Western Balkans remains important for American security, economic, and geopolitical interests, but the purpose of American engagement is changing.- Washington is moving from reform to stability, from reconstruction to partnership, from democratic transformation to commercial-security integration, and from EU-focused institutionalism to more direct strategic management of regional actors and vulnerabilities - Lotlana writes.Such an approach, the author concludes, could bring short-term benefits in countering Russian and Chinese influence, but also carries serious risks.- If stability is separated from reform, it can preserve precisely those political systems that produce such instability - Lotlana warns.According to his assessment, the American report is important not because it completely breaks with previous policy, but because it shows a quiet transition already underway: the Western Balkans remains part of American strategy, but it remains an open question whether the goal of that strategy is still political transformation or simply managing instability under conditions more favorable to Washington.

Political analyst Ama Lotlana in an analysis for the Atlas Institute for International Affairs notes that the latest State Department report

Washington's Major Shift on Bosnia: Democracy Takes a Back Seat as Dodik Sanctions Are Lifted

After information was published in the media that an investigation into Željezara Zenica has been launched by POSKOK's order, and that the financial police questioned the pre-bankruptcy administrator, POSKOK stated that it is still verifying the allegations from the report.- Dear colleagues, regarding the allegations about launching an investigation into Željezara Zenica, I only want to inform you that no prosecutorial decision has been made to launch an investigation, but certain verification actions are being undertaken regarding the allegations in the report - said Nina Hadžihajdarević, POSKOK's spokesperson.

Reminder: "Avaz" was the first to discover and publish that trucks from Gordan Pavlović's company export from Željezara facilities, and they continue to do so regularly, while Željezara workers fight for their survival, as neither the promised severance payments and wages nor contributions have been paid.

Reminder: "Avaz" was the first to discover and publish that trucks from Gordan Pavlović's company export from Željezara facilities

Željezara kao simbol borbe za prava radnika

European Parliament warns BiH leaders: Stop obstructionism

Amir Pašić Faćo shocked the courtroom with a statement: "He is behind the attempt to kill me"

BiH Returns to FATF Gray List After Eight Years

Is a new post-election majority emerging behind the EPP's Sarajevo conference: Are SDA and HDZ "fixed" after the elections?

First commander of the renowned "Živiničke ose" Mevludin Mahmutbegović and Mujo Butković, respected manager, joined the SBB

Agreement reached: Bosniak parties will run jointly in RS

While Konaković spews fire, Vučić saves the face of the Trio before the people

American TikToker bought a house for 5,000 euros: Here's how much he had to invest in renovation

Toppled stone markers in Sarajevo's Great Park

Video / Sad scenes: Dino Bešlić silently embraces his mother Sejda's coffin

Prosecutor reveals shocking details about Sarajevo shooting: Hastor attacked from behind, tracked through KCUS employee whether he would survive

Video / Funeral Prayer Held for Sejdi Bešlić: She is Buried Next to Her Halid

Europe and US clash over name: PIC fails to appoint high representative

Konaković publicly admitted that he tried to steal 100 million KM

Washington's Major Shift on Bosnia: Democracy Takes a Back Seat as Dodik Sanctions Are Lifted

After report of Goci's theft at Željezara: POSKOK investigates allegations

News

European Parliament warns BiH leaders: Stop obstructionism

Amir Pašić Faćo shocked the courtroom with a statement: "He is behind the attempt to kill me"

BiH Returns to FATF Gray List After Eight Years

Is a new post-election majority emerging behind the EPP's Sarajevo conference: Are SDA and HDZ "fixed" after the elections?

First commander of the renowned "Živiničke ose" Mevludin Mahmutbegović and Mujo Butković, respected manager, joined the SBB

Agreement reached: Bosniak parties will run jointly in RS

While Konaković spews fire, Vučić saves the face of the Trio before the people

American TikToker bought a house for 5,000 euros: Here's how much he had to invest in renovation

Toppled stone markers in Sarajevo's Great Park

Video / Sad scenes: Dino Bešlić silently embraces his mother Sejda's coffin

Prosecutor reveals shocking details about Sarajevo shooting: Hastor attacked from behind, tracked through KCUS employee whether he would survive

Video / Funeral Prayer Held for Sejdi Bešlić: She is Buried Next to Her Halid

Europe and US clash over name: PIC fails to appoint high representative

Konaković publicly admitted that he tried to steal 100 million KM

Washington's Major Shift on Bosnia: Democracy Takes a Back Seat as Dodik Sanctions Are Lifted

After report of Goci's theft at Željezara: POSKOK investigates allegations