Eurodeput Raten: Sanctioned Kosovo not aggressor, steps needed against Dodik's Vuciki

Eurodepute Thijs Reuten on the Foreign Affairs Committee said decisive action must be taken against destabilisors like Aleksandar Vuciqi and Milorad Dodik.

He has expressed disappointment with the European Union's behaviour that he is not doing enough to iron out political unrest in the Western Balkans.

The Dutch Eurodeput thinks President Vuciq is ruining Serbia's path towards the EU, refusing sanctions against Russia.

The Serbian Parliament's “largest is highly critical of the European Union. Despite the numerous criticisms there have been in recent months, we have a situation where we have imposed sanctions on Kosovo rather than on the aggressor, the main reasons for destabilising and provocations, which we have not long seen,” said Reuten.

Reuten, a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, called on the Council of Europe to apply sanctions against Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska, the Serbian entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with his partners. Dutch politician said Republika Srpska is unconstitutionally creating parallel institutions in medicine, justice, defence, security and taxation

I don't think we need another summit to confirm our full support for the Western Balkans' path towards the EU. We need action. We need to send clear messages to Dodik and Vuciqi on the one hand, and countries like North Macedonia, on the other hand, which have done a lot and want our help,” said Reuten.

In an interview for “Al Jazeera” (AJ) The Dutch eurodeput, which often speaks of challenges with security and politics in the Balkan region, pointed the finger at those who, according to him, cause them.

I have been tired of European Union politics for many years by surrendering to destabilises like Vuciq and Dodik. Both are deliberately violating the rule of law and promoting ethnic conflicts in the Western Balkan region, while keeping in touch with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin. This has to stop. But this is not going to happen until the EU removes a clear red line, not engage in unproductive dialogue. The statement we repeat our full support for the European path of the Western Balkans must be done with some responsibility. We need to put words into practice and do something,” Reuta said. / RTK