REPUBLIKA SRPSKA ON THE EUROPEAN PATH ONLY WITH ITS OWN RIGHTS AND CAPACITIES

JAHORINA, MARCH 20 /SRNA/ – The President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik stated today that the Republika Srpska can follow the European path only if it remains visible, with its own rights and capacities.

"That was too much for them, so over time, Republika Srpska lost more than 85 percent of its competences in various ways, simply because we were offered distant perspectives that clearly will not materialize," Dodik said at the opening of the Jahorina Economic Forum.

He noted that Europe is now facing problems and must first address its own challenges.

"Today, no one from Europe is talking to U.S. President Donald Trump, who is shaping new political and economic global processes. The EU lost its significance when it began putting up fences and reintroducing border controls," Dodik said.

He pointed out that freedom of movement, as well as the common market on which the EU is based, is now in question.

"Human rights? What human rights? This is why we remain steadfast. We will continue to develop. We are not a disruptive factor," Dodik emphasized.

He stated that Republika Srpska is ready to offer subsidies and incentives to anyone who decides to invest in the entity.

"We are not an economic giant, but we are economic fighters. Behind us are thousands of kilometers of roads, and we are modernizing hospitals. Now, in addition to Jahorina, we want other parts of Srpska to have tourism potential and capacity. If you visited Trebinje in the past and go there now, you will notice the difference. Last year, Andrićgrad attracted more than 450,000 visitors. This success is the result of concrete actions, just like in all other municipalities," said Dodik.

He also recalled the story of privatization, which was presented as a requirement for market liberalization.

"Enterprises were privatized in completely suspicious and economically unsound ways. We were forced to privatize our banks. Today, when certain behavior is expected from them, we see how they actually operate while using our deposits. They initially brought in a few million, which they quickly took out. The total deposits in Srpska exceed BAM 10 billion," Dodik said, calling on banks to lower interest rates as a long-term policy.

He also reminded of the former SDK system that once handled payment transactions.

Dodik stressed that Republika Srpska is inviting investors to base their business operations in Srpska, and emphasized that institutional support and incentives will not be lacking.

He added that the Jahorina Economic Forum provides certain recommendations that can contribute to further development.